EPISODE · May 23, 2026 · 1H 11M
Christina Brinkmann: Germany's Hosta Hybridizer Behind the Chris' and German Lines
from Hosta La Vista · host Betsy Peterson & Mandy Olson | Hosta Shade Gardening Podcast
Meet Christina Brinkmann — the passionate hosta hybridizerfrom Gütersloh, Germany, who has been quietly revolutionizing the hosta world since 2013. With over 2,900 hosta varieties growing in her garden alongside thousands of seedlings, Christina is one of Europe's most exciting and innovative breeders, and in this episode, she brings her warmth, knowledge, and infectious love of the plant straight to your earbuds.Christina is known for two distinct lines. Her Chris'Hostas showcase her love of striking red and purple petioles, streaked foliage, and long-leafed varieties — including standouts like Chris' China Star, Chris' Tropical Sundown, Chris' Red Lightning, Chris' Darkest Purple, and Chris' Admin, a touching tribute to the friends who help manage her Facebook group. Her German Hostas carry a very special distinction: they are all tetraploids — plants with four sets ofchromosomes instead of the usual two — giving them thicker, more rubbery leaves, more intense colors, and greater resistance to both frost and sun. German Yellow Dragon, a Proud Dragon seedling, was the first of her tets tohit the market, and her German line has only grown from there. Fransen Hostas, one of Europe's premier hosta nurseries, proudly carries her work, as well as Josh from In the Country Garden and Gifts as well as Uniquely Hostas.In this conversation, Christina opens up about what drew herto tetraploid breeding, why she loves red petioles and streaked hostas, how she selects which seedlings are worthy of a name, and what it's like to introduce European-bred cultivars to collectors around the world. She is as delightful asher plants — and trust us, that's saying something.Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to follow, subscribe, orleave us a review on your favorite podcast platform — it means the world to us and helps more hosta lovers find the show!Find us and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagramat @Hosta La Vista Podcast.Have a question, a story, or a hosta you want to talk about?We'd love to hear from you at [email protected] in next week for another episode celebrating the plant that brings us all together — the beloved FriendshipPlant!THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSGreen Hill HostasGreen Hill Hostas has been introducing exceptional new hosta cultivars to collectors and the nursery trade for over 40years. If you're looking for rare, carefully selected, and quality-grown plants, Bob is your guy. Visit them at HostaHosta.com.Hornbaker GardensA true destination garden center, arboretum, and botanicalgarden nestled in the Illinois countryside near Princeton. With over 400 hosta varieties, a legendary Hosta Ravine, and stunning display gardens, Hornbaker Gardens is a must-visit pilgrimage for any serious shade gardener. Visit themat HornbakerGardens.com.In The Country Garden & GiftsLocated in Independence, Iowa, In The Country specializes inhostas and succulents with a deep love for the collector and the curious alike. They carry an exceptional and carefully curated selection — including Christina Brinkmann's own cultivars! Explore their catalog at InTheCountryGardenAndGifts.com.
What this episode covers
Meet Christina Brinkmann — the passionate hosta hybridizerfrom Gütersloh, Germany, who has been quietly revolutionizing the hosta world since 2013. With over 2,900 hosta varieties growing in her garden alongside thousands of seedlings, Christina is one of Europe's most exciting and innovative breeders, and in this episode, she brings her warmth, knowledge, and infectious love of the plant straight to your earbuds.Christina is known for two distinct lines. Her Chris'Hostas showcase her love of striking red and purple petioles, streaked foliage, and long-leafed varieties — including standouts like Chris' China Star, Chris' Tropical Sundown, Chris' Red Lightning, Chris' Darkest Purple, and Chris' Admin, a touching tribute to the friends who help manage her Facebook group. Her German Hostas carry a very special distinction: they are all tetraploids — plants with four sets ofchromosomes instead of the usual two — giving them thicker, more rubbery leaves, more intense colors, and greater resistance to both frost and sun. German Yellow Dragon, a Proud Dragon seedling, was the first of her tets tohit the market, and her German line has only grown from there. Fransen Hostas, one of Europe's premier hosta nurseries, proudly carries her work, as well as Josh from In the Country Garden and Gifts as well as Uniquely Hostas.In this conversation, Christina opens up about what drew herto tetraploid breeding, why she loves red petioles and streaked hostas, how she selects which seedlings are worthy of a name, and what it's like to introduce European-bred cultivars to collectors around the world. She is as delightful asher plants — and trust us, that's saying something.Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to follow, subscribe, orleave us a review on your favorite podcast platform — it means the world to us and helps more hosta lovers find the show!Find us and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagramat @Hosta La Vista Podcast.Have a question, a story, or a hosta you want to talk about?We'd love to hear from you at [email protected] in next week for another episode celebrating the plant that brings us all together — the beloved FriendshipPlant!THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSGreen Hill HostasGreen Hill Hostas has been introducing exceptional new hosta cultivars to collectors and the nursery trade for over 40years. If you're looking for rare, carefully selected, and quality-grown plants, Bob is your guy. Visit them at HostaHosta.com.Hornbaker GardensA true destination garden center, arboretum, and botanicalgarden nestled in the Illinois countryside near Princeton. With over 400 hosta varieties, a legendary Hosta Ravine, and stunning display gardens, Hornbaker Gardens is a must-visit pilgrimage for any serious shade gardener. Visit themat HornbakerGardens.com.In The Country Garden & GiftsLocated in Independence, Iowa, In The Country specializes inhostas and succulents with a deep love for the collector and the curious alike. They carry an exceptional and carefully curated selection — including Christina Brinkmann's own cultivars! Explore their catalog at InTheCountryGardenAndGifts.com.
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Christina Brinkmann: Germany's Hosta Hybridizer Behind the Chris' and German Lines
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