| Info | 2011 Hosta introduction, 'Alliteration', bears a literary name meaning the repetition of consonant sounds. In the case or our hosta, however, it has nothing to do with sounds, but much to do with the unique expression of its double parent, 'Cynthia' (Tompkins). This hosta is unique among its peers with wild splashing, mottling, streaking. Our cross of 'Cynthia' to 'Invocation' produced an even wilder child in 'Alliteration'. Every leaf is a different expression splashed/mottled/streaked/hazed/checkerboard/ghostly pale. And whereas 'Cynthia' will sometimes revert to straight green (still a nice hosta), its child has been entirely stable here for years. The expression becomes more muted as summer passes, but is still apparent. Growth rate is strong and leaf substance is heavy, with pebbled surface at maturity. As a parent, this 'Cynthia' kid has produced some promising offspring which we are evaluating for future introduction. Best expression here is with a more shady setting-for contrast. Mature size: 40" spread with rounded mound. |