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[SHADEGARDENS] Spilt Milk

Hi Sherryl & anyone wanting to hop on this subject:

I purchased a nice two division Hosta, Spilt milk from Gunther Stark
in 1996. In 1997 it doubled giving me four divisions and four flower
stalks that produced mature seeds. These seeds, along with those from
Dorothy Benedict and Fascination were sent to Dave Husband in
Virginia. Dave planted the seeds from these three cultivars and he
got a good germination rate from all three varieties. He thinks he
got a variegated seedling from the Spilt Milk group but he admitted
that he didn't expect that and that it could have been a stray seed
mixed with the other as he got streaked seedlings from D. B and
Fascination. I was told , at the time of the purchase of S. M. That
it had not been possible to T. C. This plant up to that time. Now, I
understand that it has been possible to T. C. it.

Also, I was told that it was suspected that the streaking in Spilt
milk that made it such an unusual plant, was caused by a virus. So
much for rumors, eh? As far as it being sterile, I really do not
think so as the seeds I gathered were done in a careful manner and
labeled. Old silk stocking were used to contain them during the
drying process and only three types were collected, all three sets of
seeds germinated so I feel confident that Spilt Milk is not sterile.
I would be interested to know what the "new type of variegation" is.
Since I am not into growing seedling (not to say I never will) I am
more interested in seeing if my S. M. Will again send up more
divisions in 1998. The four divisions made a very nice addition to my
garden last year and she lasted in good shape right up until our late
frost in October.

Anyone else ever heard that the streaking was caused by some
mysterious virus? The virus theory doesn't make much sense to me.

Forrest - in cold Iowa, Zone 5 or 6.

PS - Thanks Sherryl for pointing me to the Genus Hosta for answers to
the tsushmensis. Yes, I have that book as well as the Paul Aden, and
two of the Diana Grenfell books. I also have lots of Ogon growing out
back.
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