VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE

There is a very damaging virus attacking hostas throughout the world. It is called Hosta Virus X (HVX).

Any hostas you have which you suspect are affected should be dug up and destroyed, not composted.

Below is a picture of a Sum and Substance hosta I bought bare root last winter. It is symptomatic of the virus. One can see it is affected by the way the colour bleeds from the veins.

Suspicious leaves may be sent for analysis, but this is costly and only worthwile for particularly good specimens.

The virus is spread by mixing sap from affected plants, so if you cut up a plant, prune off old leaves or cut spent flower spikes down, disinfect your knife before cutting any more.

If you Google Hosta Virus X you will find a lot of information. So beware when buying hostas, also be aware that symptoms can take as long as seven years to appear.

 

Thanks for the warning Rich, will keep an eye on mine.

 

Thanks Rich - noted

 

Could easily be mistaken for a varigated form and overlooked. Thanks for the alert.

 

Thanks Rich - will also keep an eye on mine :(