Hosta
Hosta spp.
Other names: Plantain lily, funkia
Hostas are grown for their foliage: bold mounds of heart-shaped leaves in green, blue-gray, gold or cream-edged patterns. They are the standard perennial for shade and return larger each year. Spikes of lavender or white flowers appear in summer.
How to grow hosta
Light
Most hostas prefer part shade to full shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade. Blue varieties need the most shade to keep their color. Gold and fragrant varieties tolerate more sun if kept moist.
Watering
Give about 1 in (2.5 cm) of water a week, more in hot weather. Water at the base in the morning. Dry soil causes brown leaf edges.
Soil and feeding
Work compost into the planting hole and mulch each spring with 2 in (5 cm) of leaf mold or compost. A single feeding of slow-release fertilizer in spring is enough.
Planting and pruning
Cut off flower stalks after blooming if you find them untidy. Remove the collapsed leaves after the first hard frost to deny slugs a winter shelter.
Propagation
Divide clumps in early spring as the shoots emerge, or in early fall. Slice the crown with a spade so each piece has several shoots and roots.
Common problems
- Ragged holes in leaves
- Slugs and snails. Use iron phosphate bait, hand-pick at night and choose thick-leaved varieties, which resist damage.
- Plants eaten to the ground
- Deer. Use fencing or repellents where deer are common.
- Brown, scorched edges
- Too much sun or too little water.
Questions about hosta
Can hostas grow in full shade?
Yes, though growth is slower in deep shade. Dappled light or two to three hours of morning sun gives the best foliage.
When is the best time to divide hostas?
Early spring, when the pointed shoots are just pushing through the soil, or about a month before the first fall frost.
Plant details
| Botanical name | Hosta spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native range | Japan, Korea and China |
| Plant type | Perennials. Herbaceous perennial |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter |
| Flower color | Purple, white |
- Tolerates shade
- Grows in containers
- Good for beginners
