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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July 9-11, 2026 MRHS 50th Anniversary Celebration Convention, Madison, WI
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August 16, 2026 Iowa State Fair hosta show
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The hosta show entry deadline is July 1
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See: https://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/enter-competitive-exhibits
In the Floriculture section, the hosta leaf show is Division 205 (see page 6 in the Premium Book)
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Assistance/suggestions needed: see this message about Iowa hostas from the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens.
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​Newsletter--April 2026
June 28, 2026 featured hosta:
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Raging River by B.& R. Klotz (r2020)
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A recent 4" of rain over 3 hours upstream led to a 6' rise in water levels of the South Skunk River over 8 hours. Continued bank erosion led to one of our 100-foot-tall cottonwood trees falling into the raging river, so H. 'Raging River' in the garden now brings that image to mind!
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H. 'Raging River' has blue-green leaves with flat, wide, creamy margins. Leaves are broadly oval with a cordate base and are moderately corrugated. Its near-white flowers have lavender streaks on the interior of the petals. H 9" W 24"
​See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/6523
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News
June 7, 2026 ​
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Members of ROHS and the Ackworth Garden Club had a joint garden tour, lunch, and plant auction in West Des Moines, Indianola, and Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Intermittent showers did not really affect the tour and added a nice fresh touch to the plants.
Everyone enjoyed lunch in a classic stone shelter built by the CCC around 1935 (now on the national historic register).
After lunch, over 40 plants were auctioned.
News
April 12, 2026
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The ROHS spring meeting was held at Warren Lodge #53 in Indianola. After a potluck lunch, with guests from the Ackworth Garden Club, there was a short business meeting. The joint summer tour and plant auction with the Ackworth Garden Club, new hostas from local sources, and the Iowa State Fair hosta show were then discussed.
News
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Midwest Regional Hosta Society Winter Symposium -- February 21
​February 21, 2026
The MRHS Winter Symposium, marking the 50th anniversary of MRHS, was held in Brookfield, WI at the Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel. Several members of ROHS enjoyed six presentations, a silent auction, and visiting with fellow hosta gardeners.
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The silent auction featured many outstanding hostas!
Glenn Herold described types of ferns and provided advice on ferns suitable (or not!) for hosta gardens:
Rob Mortko discussed climate change and construction of drip irrigation systems:
Bob Solberg gave an update on nomenclature and areas of scientific research related to hostas:
Don Dean talked about techniques, goals, and results in hybridizing:
Dave Collura showed how to construct rock gardens and plants to put in them:
Mark Zilis continued his series on history of hostas, AHS, and notable people of the hosta world:
News
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October 12, 2025
ROHS fall meeting at the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
After the customary potluck lunch, Danny Lawson (editor of the AHS journal) gave a photo tour of the various AHS national display gardens that he has visited recently.
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Attendees viewed the recently installed plaque designating the AHS National Display Garden at IAG.
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News
​August 10-17, 2025
Iowa State Fair
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Several members of ROHS entered leaves in the fair's hosta leaf show. Many of their entries garnered ribbons!
