Russ O'Harra Hosta Society
The Russ O’Harra Hosta Society is an educational society, based in central Iowa, open to all those interested in the genus Hosta. Its purpose is to promote the growing and enjoyment of hostas, including their use in landscape design and the cultivation and development of new cultivars. The goals of the Society are in keeping with those of the American Hosta Society. Our society is named for Russ O'Harra, who was one of the most prominent hosta enthusiasts and hybridizers in the Midwest.
Upcoming events:
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April 13, 2025 ROHS spring meeting, Iowa Arboretum and Gardens, Madrid, IA
potluck, speaker, work day
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June 19-21, 2025 American Hosta Society / Midwest Regional Hosta Society joint convention, East Peoria, IL
"Double Feature" You can register now at https://hostaconvention.org/
Assistance/suggestions needed: see this message about Iowa hostas from the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens.
We likely will discuss this more at the ROHS spring meeting.​​
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Today's featured hosta:
Florence Nightingale by R. Goodenough (NR)
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) was an English social reformer, a statistician, a writer, and the founder of modern nursing. Her name is largely synonymous with the concept of giving aid to those in need. Having H. 'Florence Nightingale' in your garden may remind you of that compassionate approach.
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This hosta has grey-green leaves with ruffled margins on upright, red petioles. It is one of the larger hostas with red petioles. Lavender flowers appear in midsummer.
H 24" W 55"​​
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News
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Midwest Regional Hosta Society Winter Symposium -- February 22
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The MRHS meeting featured six excellent, very informative presentations, along with a silent auction and conversation with old and new friends.
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Glenn Herold showed the differences in hosta flowers of various cultivars throughout the season, and Rob Mortko explained the intricacies of hosta tissue culture. Bob Solberg showed variegation trends in hostas produced over the last several decades. Don Rawson tantalized everyone with what's new in the world of hostas. Noah Schwartz described issues in large wholesale grower hosta production, an area unknown to most gardeners, and Mark Zilis provided an informative summary of historical figures in the hosta community.
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The MRHS winter symposium has a lot packed into one day--plan to attend next year!
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News October 13
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The ROHS fall meeting was held at the Wallace Learning Center near Orient, IA.
After the usual scrumptuous potluck lunch, Rob Mortko gave a very informative talk on the process of hosta tissue culture and showed some dazzling new hostas that will be available in the near future.
A short business meeting followed.
News
August 3
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AHS has approved the establishment of a national display garden at the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens. A bronze plaque will be placed on the grounds.
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July 27
In the Country Garden and Gifts-- "Hosta & Dessert Social", Independence, IA
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Bob Solberg (orange shirt in the photo) gave a wonderful talk on how/why hostas are fun. Barry Ankney of AHS distributed information and recruited new members for AHS. Some ROHS members enjoyed shopping for more hostas!
News
July 11-13
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ROHS members attended the Midwest Regional Hosta Society convention in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
News
Friday and Saturday, May 10-11
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ROHS booth at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's "Spring Garden Market"
News from the ROHS spring meeting on April 14:
Kris Jurik (left) and Don Draper (right), co-chairs of the 2023 AHS Convention local organizing committee, present ROHS treasurer David Dettmann with a check. Proceeds from the convention are to be donated to the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens to establish and maintain an AHS Display Garden.
