The back side of Hosta leafs are often telling. Share?

This is H. Krossa Regal

Lit from a porch light

why are people interested in the side of the leaf that we almost never see?

just curious

For one thing, the appearance of the back of leaves can help to distinguish one variety from another,

Looking at the back of the leaves, OK. But from the porch light? Excessive.

Does your wife even look at the fronts of the leaves anymore? Bevie posted many of the original photos for the hosta library. The two of you have made more contributions to hostadom than I can imagine. So tell us all why you are turning over hosta leaves by the light of the porch. Looking for slugs?

-Babka

It's starting to look a bit like fall!

HH, I had to look again before I piped up...that is not a Krossa Regal as KR is a solid colour (likely a blue/green this late in the season BUT...nice shot! :-). Or do the porch lights deceive my eyes?

Yes HH telling and beautiful too. I will look for others but came up with these.

Busted, it is Regal Splendor, right next to Krossa Regal. I was just sitting on the porch enjoying the nice quiet calm evening and the automatic lights came on and lit this leaf bottom. I didn't remember this topic being explored fully here and thought it might be a try.

This is not only a cool opportunity to see a different angle of the hostas but it helps me to learn more about hostas to identify them and distinguishing between them.

I find myself admiring all of the variety and characteristics via online photos since my collection of hostas is just starting out.

Some hostas may look identical but there are nuances like the topic of this post - the backs of leaves- some are glaucous (white), slightly so, or not. And as manyhosta said, that the back of a leaf is helpful to distinguish a hosta.

Plus, it's just fun to discuss and see great photos that are posted.

Am I preaching to the choir? ;) well, I think of our conversations for posterity, because that's how I learned about hostas (from searching and reading through past topics).

Thanks to all!

tough audience.. fine ignore my humor ... lol ..

studying backsides.. of hosta .. focus ... is one of the cool things about a leaf show ...

ken

i think this is a cool, dramatic picture. love the lighting and love the peek at the underappreciated underside.

Well I thought it was very funny!

A few years ago I had cut off a few June leaves. I don't know why, but I photographed the back side with water drops. I rather liked it though!

Abiqua Drinking Gourd is also one that likes to show off both sides at the same time!

well so far this thread has not a lot of activity but I think it's still interesting with the back of the leaves are just as interesting as the front

I guess Vein count's would be a really Dead thread

I looked at some leaf backs today and found mites. Had to cut of all the leaves an spray the petiole sticks with spinosad. Always a good idea to check your back, as they say. Happy Labor Day.

-Babka

Ken, you are the greatest. Love your humor. I know you are just teasing but you give GW just a little more fun. I just love some your responses.