Grow this easy-care, lush plant in a shady garden.
It’s easy to understand how so many people can fall in love with hosta plants.
Not only do they provide lush foliage in gardens, but they are also easy to care for.
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This makes them a preferred,low-maintenance plantfor beginners and more seasoned gardeners.
The genus belongs to the family Asparagaceae, or the asparagus family.
Native to East Asia, there are as many as 22 species of hostas and more than 2,000 cultivars.
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The clumps are slow-growing, but some cultivars will gradually spread over time.
Hostas are not toxic to humans but can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
The plants need cold temperatures in winter, during which they go dormant.
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it’s possible for you to plant sun-tolerant hostas like ‘Royal Standard’ as far south as northern Florida.
The shade helps hostas preserve their color.
Plant them in a spot with morning sun, dappled sunlight all day, or full shade.
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Blue-leaved varieties do best in full shade in the South.
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Soil
Good soil is key.
Hostas can tolerate neutral soil, but prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH around 6.0.
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Hostas don’t do well in heavy, compacted clay orsoggy conditions.
Sandy soils can be improved with compost.
Water
Mulching around plants and adding organic material to the soil will help retain moisture.
Water new plants regularly until they become established, checking if the top inch of soil is dry.
They appreciate a cool, moist, woodland environment.
Choose among varieties carefully, as some only perform well as far South as Zone 7.
Feed hostas again when they are getting ready to bloom.
Don’t fertilize after July as the plants need to slow down and prepare for winter.
Also, many varieties are sterile and don’t produce seeds.
Potting And Repotting Hostas
Hostas look great in containers, especially the smaller varieties.
confirm the container has drainage holes or add them if necessary.
Use fresh, high-quality potting mix that contains compost.
Cover the soil surface lightly with mulch and water well.
Hosta containers should be placed in an area with light shade.
Water them when the top inch of soil is dry.
After a few weeks, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10, following package directions.
Generally, repot hostas in the spring or early autumn.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Hosta leaves make a tastysalad for deer.
Regularly applying deer repellent is the only defense.
Surrounding hostas with plants that deer don’t like to eat may help.
The other arch-foe is a mouselike critter called a vole.
Chemical vole repellent results aren’t always reliable.
Slugs can be discouraged by sprinkling diatomaceous earth or sand around plants.
Spray plants with insecticidal soap if other insects start feasting on the foliage.
Dispose of affected leaves and improve spacing and air circulation around plants.
The same goes for Southern blight, a fungus that can attack during warm, humid summers.
Southern blight causes the base of stems to turn to mush and leaves to yellow and wilt.
Some flowers also have a nice scent.
Your hosta should bloom as long as it is grown in rich, well-draining soil and receives adequate water.
Plants grown from seed will take a couple of years to start blooming.
A late frost can damage tender shoots, which open up to reveal long, jagged tears.
Hail can also tear the leaves.
Bleached Or Scorched Leaves
Hosta leaves will bleach when exposed to too much sun.
Bleached leaves can eventually turn brown and fall off.
Browning around the margins of leaves is an indication of scorching.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, hostas do not have to be divided.
Unlike plants that tend to get overcrowded, hostas will be just fine if you leave them alone.
Other options include the colorfulfoliage of heucheraorwinter-blooming hellebores.
Some of hostas’ other best buds include heucheras, hellebores, wild ginger, and lily-of-the-valley.
