Re: Hosta 'Cherry Berry' / Answer to Melting Out Question

In a message dated 05/07/2001 8:29:55 PM Central Daylight Time,
greenthumb@worldnet.att.net writes:


What is "melting out"? I have never heard that term before.

The AHS definition = Necrosis of the white or lighter center of hosta leaves.
Necrosis = the death or dying of cells, tissues or whole plant.

So, white centered hostas typically need sunlight for the green portion to
make enough chlorophyl to support the entire plant, but once the hotter days
and nights of summer arrive, the centers melt out (dying of the center
section of the leaf).  Often the center completely disappears, leaving just
the two green edges.   

In central Illinois, the more white on a hosta (center or edge), the greater
the likelihood of having problems. White centered hostas, which are
viridescent (white turns to green as the season progresses) are not normally
a problem.  Unlike most white centered hostas, H. 'Night before Christmas' is
not a problem in my garden.    
Ray Rodgers, Bartonville, IL, CIHS, Zone 5
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