I think the leaf on the right has the collapsed tissue that I would suspect, but am no expert.... left upper side of right leaf...

I really need to order those strips....

i wouldn't plant that in my yard

Oh dear!!! I hate that virus!!!!!!

first... its the wrong color for SS

second.. it looks like an edged dark green version

but i would defer to hallson chris for hvx ....

ken

Ken...
It's actually Sum of All, according to the tag/grower

I returned it last night. I was quite sad to do so, cuz it was 4 BIG eyes and was quite stunning otherwise. The leaves were probably 14" across. I have 2 others in my garden from the same grower who will be getting VERY close attention.

Melissa

Yes, that is badly infected. First time I've seen HVX on Sum of All, but I've seen examples of it on other Sum and Substance sports before.

This virus is getting rampant.

Thank goodness we have such experts in our ranks to help us ID the HVX. When Chris said "this virus is getting rampant", it sent chills down my spine. The only plant I've had with the virus was a tc Spritzer from Shady Oaks that I bot in 1996 and noticed was infected in 2004--can it really lie latent that long? Melissa, can you share your grower's name. Thanks. Mary

Chris, thanks for the confirmation. I'd have crapped my pants if you'd said "no", but I knew. The inkbleed and tissue breakdown were too tell-tale to me.

Here's the scary part folks. The grower was BACHMAN'S.

First time I've seen them sell an infected plant. I have 2 other SOA's from there and dozens of other hosta. So, of course, now I have my HVX alert up cuz I have far too many from there to just start digging them all up and quarantining them.

Dangit! That was a scrawny 1-eye plant last year and a gorgeous 4-eye beauty this year. HUGE leaves. I'm still REALLY REALLY pissed. Stupid 16-year old girl didn't get what a big deal it was when I said "this is very sick, it's very contageous and the plant should be destroyed". She said "I'll put it in the garbage". I'm going to call their horticulturalist on Monday.

Melissa

I'm from Minneapolis and I know Bachmans and they're like any other general (but high-end, good name) nursery. So far this year where I live now (in Chicagoland) I have taken HVX infected plants off their displays and showed to the managers - told them I believed them to be infected with the virus HVX and none of them knew what I was talking about! They were CLEARLY infected - at one of the nurseries, a woman who heard me came over and knew what she was talking about and agreed. The next day I went back and they put them back out for sale.

It's maddening. I believe the only people screening for HVX are the hosta specialists. Garden nurseries don't care because it's not their lifeblood.

Westy

About 5 years ago, I saw the worst HVX on Striptease.
Waited to talk to the "expert" on the staff. He was too busy helping elderly customers with "minor" issues. After One hour, I left. Today, I would have stayed as long as was necessary to report the HVX. Bachman's has a growing range in Lakeville, but I do think they bring in all perennials, just like all other plant materials they "grow".

I know many people that will only shop Bachmans because of the "quality" of the products. Oh, Well.......

karla

my bad .. on actually being able to read the facts provided..

ken

Melissa, I just destroyed an infected Summer Music that came from Gerten's in 2006, and my daughter just returned two infected Gold Edgers to them. Gerten's must be one of the area's biggest, most reputable growers. They seemed to take the news very seriously. Lois

greenthumbz4mn
Did you notify Shady Oaks at the time about your hosta?
One would think ordering from them you would be safe?????
I just placed a BIG order with them.
Would you let me know how they handeled it?
Thank you, Carol

Carol, This has been a very eventful night for me. First, we got our only good rain in a month--Carolinians take note--there is still water in that sky. Then after an hour's search, I found not only the receipt for the Spritzer but also my VHX pictures of it!!!! I had bot the Hosta in '96, but I discovered the disease in 2006--and judging from those pics, it was VERY advanced. (I had only learned of the virus problem a month earlier). I had split that Hosta, and there was no evidence of HVX on the other half--which I bagged and threw anyway. And it broke my heart--it's like losing a good friend. The receipt said Shady Oaks stands behind it's products, but I will be most disappointed if they just send me $14.95 and call us even. I want them to grovel at my feet and promise they'll never sell another diseased plant to anyone else. I also bot a Blue Moon and Hypolueca from them, and if I were to lose my precious Hypolueca, I think I would deliver it to them in person in a casket with a grave stone as that is my prize Hosta. I visit with it every day. Anyway, I'll get a reprint of my pic & receipt and send it off to Shady Oaks. I will report back their response. Mary PS Thanks for the prodding--I never dreamed I could find the proof that I needed.

A lot of people like/trust Bachmans because they assume the high price means high quality. They have done well creating a brand that most people trust. I've seen good quality there and I've seen bad...but I am pickier than most and know the difference.

Not knowing this thread was here, I actually stopped in at a Bachman's and asked about their policy for HVX. They didn't know, so I had sent off an email this afternoon to ask.

greenthumb,
Yes, i have been reading about your lack of rain, i am so happy for you, you must be doing the happy dance about now.
Hosta,of all thing, really like to be wet,you can sit back for a little and enjoy!
As for "Shady Oaks",i am very saddened to hear this,you don't suppose they use their dieased plants for tissue culture do you?Surly they must be more careful than that?

Please keep us posted as to how they handel this serious problem ok.
And thanks for posting in the first place.

I was just wondering, do you have a couple of rain barrels?
I think you have to walk a distance to water don't you?
Any thing you can keep water in with a lid close to your hosta?Just in case?

My veggie garden is in the out back, and some times i for get to keep it watered,this is what i was thinking of doing.
Get some soda bottles,or milk jugs,fill with water,and put a very small pin hole in the bottom,place next to my plants and see if that works.

I hope you get a nice soft,quiet,long rain tonight.

Carol