Hosta plants are evergreen perennial shade loving plants and they can range in size from 6” dwarf to 6ft. giants with varying sizes in between. However; there are some hosta plants which will do perfectly well in full sunshine where they sometimes change their leaf color. In some instances the same hosta, such as Hosta "Frances Williams", will have lime green edged foliage in the shade and splendid gold edged foliage in the sun. In general though, the yellow hostas are best suited to full sun.
Hostas are sometimes called Funkia or Plantain Lily but these names are becoming obsolete and the simple Hosta is more widely used. Hostas are native to northeast Asia but they have traveled well and now they are widely grown in the U.S., starting in zone 3 and moving up towards zone 8. They are also grown throughout Europe wherever moist conditions are provided and maintained.
Growing Hostas
Hostas are easy to grow and the most important point when starting out is to know the size of the mature plant. Once satisfied with the plant size it can be left undisturbed for years, although hostas do not mind being moved.
- Hostas grow from rhizomes and are perennial.
- Spring planting is best but they can be planted out at any time except during very hot weather when the sun is blistering.
- Hostas like shade but when grown in dense shade the leaves will suffer. Light shade with good air circulation is best.
- Grow hostas in a neutral soil, pH of 6 and add plenty of rich organic matter.
- Plant in well drained soil. It is very important to keep new plants well watered for the first few weeks after planting.
- Fertilize in early spring with a general fertilizer.
Hostas are shade lovers but for success in the sunshine select any of the following.
- Hosta "Frances Williams" mentioned above.
- Hosta "Gold Standard". Reliable and easy to grow with yellow leaves and pale bluish/purple flowers in mid-summer.
- Hosta "August Moon". A very popular plant with gold foliage and flowers similar to ‘Gold Standard’. This is a robust and fast growing hosta and requires plenty of water.
- After August comes September so it is fitting to choose Hosta "September Sun" as its companion plant. This is a big, slow growing plant and is best suited to the back of borders and areas where it can be left undisturbed to enjoy its long life. Select the site with care as it can spread to 5ft. or more. It produces delicate white flowers in mid-summer.
Hostas can be grown from seed but it is not always certain what the resulting color will be. This can be exciting for the experimental gardener but to get true plants dividing an original clump is best. Simply lift the clump once the growing season has ended and divide the rhizome. Replant the segments and cover the area with leaf mulch to protect against the frost.
Hosta Pests and Problems
The main predators of hosta plants are slugs and snails. Slugs can wipe out young hosta plants overnight so protect by using slug-pellets. However; hosta plants are robust and once established they can withstand a voracious slug and still survive. The second great problem for hostas is water. They like moist but not water logged roots. Always ensure good drainage.
Think of hosta plants and lush foliage in various shades of green, yellow, gray and variegated gold comes to mind but for a spectacular sight chose a blue Hosta such as Hosta Halcyon. This is an ideal plant for eye-catching containers and the blue foliage can grow up to 3ft. by 3ft. with lavender flowers which attract birds all summer long. For a stunning garden display choose Griselinia and a selection of Spring bulbs as Hosta companion plants.
Laurence O'Sullivan - Larry O'Sullivan, Irish short story and freelance Article writer now living in Thailand. I am Irish, 55 years old and am now living in ...
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