Arcy, how about some detailed pictures before we comment...

Pieter

Hosta Virus X may not show up right away. The other neighbor's plants have it too even if it doesn't look like it.

It might not be a bad idea to tell the neighbor something like "Thanks for your kind offer, but I noticed something about the leaves and when I looked it up it seems like it might indicate a virus unfortunately"

Neighbor A has had hers for several years now, seems like it would appear by now. I didn't see any sign of it on any other of neighbor B's hosta. Pics would be a tish difficult. We'll see.

Another possibility is that the plants became infected after she shared pieces with the other neighbor. How I would respond would depend on my relationship with the neighbor. If it was a close friend, it would be easy to tell them. If is was more of a casual acquaintance, it would be more difficult to find a way to educate them on the subject without offending them in a way that caused them to ignore the problem.

That is a difficult situation. If you mention to the neighbor about possible virus, they might say then take the one over here instead---and you don't want that other one either! And, of course, they will be upset about the virus and the possible spread of it in their garden (after they learn about HVX).

What about bringing over a pot and using their shovel? Keep it in the pot indefinitely telling them you wanted it to grow strong roots while it is potted. You could have the plant checked out for virus at some point and then you will know for sure.

Do not take the hosta. Be honest and let them know your concerns about virus. No one wants to be the bearer of bad news but I don't see any other good option here.

Ditto on what summersunlight and beverlymn said.

-Babka

It would be great to hear what you decide to do and how it works out.