Virus on my Dream Queen?

[rufie98]

The Dream Queen I purchased in 2013 never looked "normal" last year. I first thought the potted Dream Queen had suffered from frost. Then I thought there could be some kind of insect chewing on the leaves. Now that I am looking at the photos, I think this must be some kind of virus? What do you think?

[Tigger]

This just looks like the leaves suffered some physical damage as they were coming up. Maybe another pot was sitting on top of this one?

Should be fine this year.

David

[Chris_W]

I agree, this just looks like damage to the "pip" as it was coming up. Could have been something on top of it, or in other cases I have seen pips start to swell only to be frosted again, and that expansion and then contraction will cause the eye to shrink on itself and unfurl with some damage. I wouldn't worry about this at all.

[rufie98]

Thank you David and Chris for the good news! I suppose it is possible that there was a board on top of the pot during the winter and the new spring growth could have been damaged. Also, Chris, you mention that frost damage is another consideration. It is difficult to keep track of all the hostas, and frost in the spring---well, we all try to do our best to protect our gardens---but sometimes you just can't win. Thanks again. I look forward to seeing my Dream Queen this year. It's such a lovely hosta.