Registration is the process of submitting a cultivar name, description and other pertinent information for consideration to the registrar. The registrar is appointed by the International Registration Authority for the genus Hosta. International Registration Authorities are appointed by the International Society for Horticultural Science.

The American Hosta Society, through an established relationship, shares the registration authority responsibility with the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The Arboretum houses the registrar's office and records. An Arboretum staff member serves as Registrar. A Registration Advisory Committee is appointed by the American Hosta Society to assist the registrar.

Registration is accomplished by submitting the completed registration form, along with photographs and a $5 fee to the registrar. Registration forms can be obtained by writing the Hosta Registrar or printing a copy from this web site. [Registration Form](pdf)

The primary purpose of registration is to limit confusion among hosta cultivars and cultivar names. A permanent record of names and descriptions is established in a central location. It also provides benefits for the registrant. Registration can establish a record of "ownership" of a cultivar for the originator/introducer. Registration also provides means for having a cultivar name and description published. The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants-2004 requires that when someone's name is used in full for a hosta name their permission, or their estates permission is required to be obtained.  Download the Permission Form [Click here](pdf).

It is the responsibility of the registrar to evaluate submitted cultivars and consider them for registration. Names are evaluated for uniqueness and conformity to the guidelines set by the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants-2004 This document is essentially a set of rules and recommendations which serve as guidelines for establishing cultivar names. (also see Hosta Naming Guidelines(pdf) at this web site) Descriptions and photographs are evaluated for completeness and being representative of the cultivar. Information is recorded into a computer database; forms and photographs are filed. Registrations are published on a yearly basis by the American Hosta Society in The Hosta Journal.

It is not the responsibility of the registrar to judge the merit or uniqueness of a cultivar. There is no attempt to judge uniqueness or stability of a cultivar. Although this information is invaluable as submitted by the registrant.

The Registration of Hosta cultivars is to the benefit of everyone with an interest in hosta. The goal is to eliminate confusion and to compile as complete a record as possible of all Hosta cultivars.

Registration Form - PDF

What You Always Wanted to Know about Registration but Were Afraid to Ask