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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May 10-11, 2024 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's Spring Garden Market--we are greeting visitors and promoting ROHS.
June 18-22, 2024 American Hosta Society national convention, Marlborough, MA
July 11-13, 2024 Midwest Regional Hosta Society convention, Fond du Lac, WI
July 27, 2024 In the Country Garden and Gifts-- "Hosta & Dessert Social", speaker Bob Solberg, Independence, IA
October 13, 2024 ROHS Fall meeting at The Wallace Learning Center, 2773 290th St., Orient, Iowa, 50858.
12 p.m. potluck; speaker; business meeting
Speaker: Rob Mortko, "The Hostas of Tomorrow and Where They Come From" (see Calendar)
Today's featured hosta:
"Roderick", by Russ O'Harra
This cultivar of unidentified parentage (but likely H. 'Elatior'), was registered by Russ O'Harra in 1999. It forms a giant size mound up to 37 inches in height with a spread of 83 inches. The leaves are ovate, generally smooth textured, have a thick underside bloom and good substance. Its very pale lavender flowers bloom on 48 inch tall scapes.
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.
