Hosta 'Sharon Stone'

[M] Perhaps Jan van den Top's most exquisite and highly sought after introduction. A show piece for the elite collector, the rarity and unfortunate fact that it can not be successfully tissue cultured is reflected in the outrageous price tag. 'Sharon Stone' is a sport of 'Marilyn Monroe' with rounded, fancifully ruffled leaves. In the spring, the leaves emerge with the most unusual milky-green centers, surrounded by streaky flashes of white, and finally a ring of green ruffles. There is a whole lot going on and it is hard to describe. A picture really is worth one thousand words in this case. The markings are fleeting, turning green by early summer, but the spring show is unlike anything else. Even the biggest movie stars need time out of their makeup and designer clothes. Hosta 'Sharon Stone' forms a drop-dead gorgeous clump about 15" tall and 30" across that blooms in the fall with fertile, lavender flowers. Red petioles and powdery white leaf back put this in a league of its own.

(J. van den Top)