Genus Hosta [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

W. George Schmid (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1992

The first complete classification for the genus, this labor of love reflects the author's long fascination with hostas. All hostas known at the time of writing are detailed, including their 3500 names and synonyms in many languages (300 in Japanese kana). Practical information on growing hostas is just as complete and detailed.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The first complete classification for the genus, this labor of love reflects the author's long fascination with hostas. All known hostas at the time of writing are detailed, including their 3,500 names & synonyms in many languages (300 in Japanese kana). Practical information on growing hostas is just as complete & detailed.

About the Author

W. George Schmid studied botany, horticulture, and landscape architecture at the University of Munich. An avid gardener of shade plants, he is author of The Genus Hosta and the award-winning An Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials. George gardens at Hosta Hill in northern Georgia. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 468 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press, Incorporated (April 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881922013
• ISBN-13: 978-0881922011
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,993,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born 1930; Studied Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Botany, Horticulture and Taxonomy;
Author of 3 Timber Press Books on Gardening (See Amazon); Numerous Journal Articles published 1980 to present.
The Hosta Journal Co-editor; Chairman of AHS Nomenclature Committee; Founder of Georgia Hosta Society; Board Member of International Aroid Society; AHS Historian; Member International Assn for Plant Taxonomy;

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Must have" reference on the #1 perennial plant in the USA!, January 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Genus Hosta (Hardcover)

W. George Schmid, recipient of the 1996 Alex J. Summers Distinguished Merit Award--the highest honor of the American Hosta Society, has compiled a comprehensive and instructive reference for Hosta. He explains in photographs (incl. 208 in color) and words more information than available in any other source for these marvelous and increasingly popular shade plants--The #1 selling perennial in the USA. I believe I own all the books published on Hosta, and this is incomparable--better than all the others combined. Species and cultivars are listed alphabetically with detailed information. Make it your first choice. Our nursery specializes in Hostas, including being the exclusive source for George Schmid's new introductions, so I am very familiar with this topic

5.0 out of 5 stars The Genus Hosta, February 15, 2011

By 

annie Hosta - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Genus Hosta (Hardcover)

A book for the serious lover of Hosta. Excellent reference - Good information on taxonomy and nomenclature. I was most pleased with the Historical Account of the Genus Hosta.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book, August 24, 2005

By 

R. Beasley "In my opinion???" (Piedmont, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Genus Hosta (Hardcover)

Yes this is the fist resource and most important one for hostas. It is a bit dated but the vast majority of the information will alway be relevant. Also he was certainly ahead of his time, on many topics, Many of his arguments are just becoming relevant today. A case in point, he nailed the hottest topic in hosta-ville today cold way back in 1990, Hosta virus X or HVX, well before it even had a name or was though of as a virus. This book plus a couple newer ones is all you need to be up and running with the best of them, and then some, because ha, most of them are to lazy to read. No, I did not say that, did I?? As to reading level, well it is grade 17 so a good dictionary is needed. I wish some one would tell me how to get that "The Virginia" off it's ridiculous.