Interesting. I look forward to see what other people say. I suspect your Touch of Class Hostas that have lost their gold centers have essentially become Hosta Bulletproof. I have Bulletproof and Halcyon; they are similar, but different. Bulletproof has thick, larger leaves, like Touch of Class. Bulletproof is not common and is stately, pretty.

Bulletproof isn't out of 'Touch of Class' however 'Touch of Frost' is the solid blue out of 'Touch of Class'.

Well this is disappointing. They are intermixed with Halcyon already. I can only hope they are performing like babkas and will thicken back up next year? If not, they will be moved as I really didnt want a solid blue bed...

Thank you everyone.

Here we are: 'Touch of Frost' on the left and right and 'Bulletproof' in the center. The 'Touch of Frost' come out of a 'Touch of Class' that was languishing and needed a fresh start. I'd seen the sporting for a couple of years and when it was clear the plant clearly wasn't happy where it was I decided to lift it and divide it. There is of course a family relationship between 'Touch of Frost' and 'Bulletproof'.

Bear with me: 'Touch of Frost' is out of 'Touch of Class' which is out of 'June' which is out of 'Halcyon'. Still with me? 'Bulletproof' is out of 'Halcyon', so it's no surprise they look rather alike. And because both are tetraploids they will feel like having very similar thickness to the leaves.

Pieter

Pieter thank you. Very interesting, and I’ll admit I had to read that a couple of times LOL. I looked more closely and only see one leaf that is solid at this time. I do have a couple of first frost in containers that I could replace these ones with if needed....

So upon further inspection and finding more solid leaves, I see it is sport.

I’m curious to know if it’s best to dig it out ASAP with the risk of making the plant look tattered, versus waiting till the end of the season?

I don’t know if it matters one way or the other whether you do it now or later. I think it’s a personal decision. If this hosta is in a showy space and it would bother you to look at it tattered, I would wait until end of season. Now sure how others will comment on this. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

debra

Debra thank you. I think I’ll wait then since it’s so early in the season. I’m already regretting shuffling things around in this bed last season. I liked it much better before, so don’t need any more ugly...

I’m curious to know if it’s best to dig it out ASAP with the risk of making the plant look tattered, versus waiting till the end of the season?

When you dig up any plant you're injuring the root system, particularly when you start cutting away at the crown to divide. I personally prefer to do hosta dividing when the roots are actively growing, such as NOW. Just make sure you baby them a little by keeping them well-watered for the next 4-6 weeks. If you water them with a watering can you might consider adding 10-52-10 in a week solution for the next 4 weeks or so to give the roots a further shot in the arm.

Pieter