skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
HostasGarden ClinicGarden
jadednightowl

Does my hosta have a virus??

last year

A quick update before getting to my original post I had made in a different forum last weekend - I dug up the infected looking hosta because I panicked over the weekend and didn't know what to do. I made sure to dig very far out around where I believed the roots/root ball would be, and what came up was a very solid chunk of dirt with no visible roots sticking out on any sides. (Soil here is dense and clay-like to begin with, and it had just rained). I put it straight into a garbage bag. I scrubbed all my gardening tools by hand with dish soap, followed by sterilizing with rubbing alcohol and Lysol. I contacted my local county extension office for a state university and they accepted the plant for viral testing, so we'll see what comes back!



Original post:

I'm really new to gardening and my hosta garden I started in late fall 2024 was basically my first big endeavor, so I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about caring for my hostas. I just learned about hosta virus X yesterday while reading about how "sports" come about.


For background info: I bought 2 Blue Angels, 1 Guacamole, and 1 Patriot in late fall from a reputable local garden center that were all discounted because it was the end of the season. They were among the last plants on the shelf and had some torn and some crispy leaves, but otherwise had healthy looking stems. I planted them along with 3 other hostas I already had (Autumn Frost and Stained Glass, the third is super tiny and located next to the Stained Glass but I don't know yet what it is because it got so crispy in its original location from the previous homeowners planting it in full sun) that I transplanted from another area of the garden, and then just planted an August Moon at the end of March on the far right side of the garden.


I've been dealing with earwigs munching on one of my Blue Angels, and tonight while spraying some neem oil and insecticidal soap the flash light really made me notice that the less-eaten Blue Angel looks like it has signs of hosta virus X. The white cast on the plant is from recently sprinkling diomataceous earth as another form of insect repellent; it's the ink bleed and mottling that has me really worried, and now looking back at a previous photo from about 2-3 weeks ago (photos 3 and 4) it's obvious that one of the leaves is curled up abnormally at the tip, so this isn't new/related to my treating for bugs that I just started this week.


I included photos of the layout of the hostas (photos 2 and 3) for reference to show how they're spaced apart (because I was anticipating them growing bigger and needing the space) in relation to the location of the infected Blue Angel, but I don't even know if that matters in terms of preventing spread of the virus. We've had days with really heavy rain over the past few weeks, and the way it sits up higher than the other hostas has me concerned that any water run off going downhill could even cause contamination.

If this IS hosta virus X, are all of my surrounding hostas doomed?? Could my other Blue Angel (or even the Guacamole and Patriot I bought at the same time) also have already been infected even though those aren't showing signs right now?

Would it be worth it to get a kit and test this hosta, or is it pretty definitive just by looking at it? Should I test the other hostas, or does it take time for normal appearing hostas to "become positive" for the virus?






Featured Answer
  • last year

    Correct, I personally never used any weed killer around these plants. BUT we do have it in our garage, and a few days after posting I found out from my husband that our landscaper had used it in the garden where my hostas are. I regret not having any more of the plant to test again, but it is what it is. I'll keep the spot where it was bare for a few years. Thank you all!

    Comments (13)

    • last year






      Here are some better photos of the Blue Angel that I took before I turned it over for testing.

    • last year

      It looks infected to me. When you see that spotting and ink bleed along the veins, I think that’s a key indicator. On the front page of the Hosta Library there is a very good video by Chris Larson. It’s worth watching.

      debra

    • Related Professionals

      Decatur Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Elizabeth City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jackson Landscape Contractors · Enid Landscape Contractors · Cleveland Landscape Contractors · Durango Landscape Contractors · Sterling Landscape Contractors · Enid Home Additions · Vancouver Home Additions · Ocala Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Salisbury Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Alexandria Landscape Contractors · Green Bay Landscape Contractors · Honolulu Landscape Contractors · Queens Kitchen Remodelers
    • last year

      I concur with Deb! Toss it in the garbage, do NOT compost it or you will spread the virus which can live in the soil for over 3 years apparently. Also, do NOT plant another hosta in the vacant spot for the same reason.

      Pieter

    • last year

      Everyone has been so helpful, I really appreciate it! I'll post an update of the viral test results, should have them in about 5-10 days.

    • last year

      Tested for 10 viruses - all negative. They suspect an abiotic cause, such as a pre-emergent herbicide like Preen - and we just so happen to have this. I believe my husband had our landscaper apply this some time ago, so I suspect they may have spread it too close the hosta garden. But I do think it's odd that only one hosta was affected and so dramatically.

      In any case, I'm glad it wasn't HVX and the rest of my hostas are safe!

    • last year

      I just reread your results…..are you saying the Blue Angel is NOT infected? I’m not an expert in fertilizers, but I

      think the results could be wrong. Your first leaf picture shows classic signs of the virus. Even if you don’t watch the

      Chris Hansen video, there are pictures of HVX on the home page of the HL. It’s worth it check to it out. Your other hostas

      Should be fine, the virus lives in the soil. That’s why you can’t plant another hosta there for 3-5 years. I’ve removed 2 hostas

      This year already. I didn’t need I test because I’ve watched the Hansen video, I believe I know it when I see it. My

      biggest and older hosta, Sum &Subtance had the virus and just yesterday I found an infected Lancifolia. I have 2

      Posts just recently that you may want to look at. BTW, I do always check with forum members, but sometimes after

      I have started digging

      debra

      D

    • last year

      Yes they told me it's negative for HVX, they believed a pre-emergent weed killer got on to the leaves. Is it possible for a hosta showing leaf changes like mine to test negative? I was surprised it was negative too, but I feel like it would be even more surprising if this was a false negative test. I gave them the entire plant for testing so they had plenty of specimen to work with.

    • last year

      Nowhere in your original posting did you indicate the use of a pre-emergent weed killer. I've been doing a quick on-line search for picture of damage caused by PE weedkiller and have not been able to find any. Based on that my feeling is that they're taking a stab in the dark. I'll stick with my original assessment that the pictures shown very clearly show signs of typical HVX ink bleed.

      On a slightly different note, I had an incident earlier this year where I noticed clear evidence of fairly extensive tissue collapse on a 'First Blush' I received as a bare root by mail-order last year. I sent the supplier several pictures and it was the considered opinion of the grower in the Netherlands that the damage was due to nematodes. Well, I don't know what he/she was smoking that day bu as it happens I do have experience with foliar nematodes and it wasn't even close. My feeling is they simply provided a quick answer to get me off their back... hoping I wouldn't know any better...

      Pieter

    • last year

      I must say once again and also agree with Pieter, that regardless of the test, I am sure it’s

      infected. Perhaps the PE fertilizer threw their results off.


      debra

    • last year

      This does not present as HVX on Blue Angel. I think you can breathe easy.

    • last year

      Looks a bit like late front damage to me.

    • last year

      Agree. I admin the Hosta Diseases and Pests group on FB and stare at HVX all day. LOL


    Related Stories
    GARDENING GUIDESHosta Alternatives for the Shaded Garden
    By Curtis Adams
    Discover which foliage plants to use instead of or in addition to hostas in the landscape
    Full Story
    13
    HEALTHY HOMECleaning Routines to Keep Your Home Virus-Free
    By Laura Gaskill
    Follow this CDC advice to make sure your kitchen, bathroom and other high-traffic areas are clean and disinfected
    Full Story
    124
    FLOWERS AND PLANTSShade-Loving Hostas Shine in the Garden
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    With thousands of hostas to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect plant for your garden
    Full Story
    28
    SUMMER FRUITS AND VEGETABLESCherry Tomato Plant Does Double Duty as a Design Element
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    Besides being tasty, cherry tomatoes bring a burst of bright color to the landscape
    Full Story
    8
    GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING4 Good Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitos in Your Yard
    By Katherine Caviness
    Stay safe from West Nile virus and put an end to irksome itches with these tools and methods for a porch, patio or yard
    Full Story
    68
    GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Axminster Gold Comfrey for Sun or Shade
    By Le jardinet
    Plant this perennial for bold color that will light up shady spots, sparkle in the sun and add interest from spring until fall
    Full Story
    30
    PLANTING IDEASGreat Garden Combo: 9 Plants for an Intriguing Entrance
    By Le jardinet
    Layer trees, flowers and shrubs around an archway to create the feeling of a year-round doorway to adventure
    Full Story
    44
    GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Painter’s Palette Knotweed Adds Color in Shade
    By Le jardinet
    Use bold and colorful Persicaria virginiana for an artistic touch in a darker garden
    Full Story
    53
    GARDENING GUIDESNew Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden
    By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
    Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want
    Full Story
    193
    GARDENING GUIDESGarden-Friendly Native Alternatives to Overplanted Exotics
    By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
    There are lots of gorgeous, wildlife-friendly native plants ready to make an appearance in your garden
    Full Story
    79
    Sponsored
    Peabody Landscape Group
    Average rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
    Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting
    More Discussions
    Took a few more pics
    10
    I am thinking my "hosta" seeds are not hosta. Looking for confirmation
    2
    Hosta updates and stuff
    14
    Bought hostas from Hosta king?
    3
    Hosta ‘Green Eyed Lady’ information needed
    2