Fact Sheet Growing Hosta

Growing HostasHostas have earned an excellent reputation as reliable perennials for low-light, landscape situations and as treasured foliage plants. To many, they are the shade or foliage perennial. However, their use is no longer limited to shady sites. Some new introductions tolerate full sun and a few even prefer it. Because of their great diversity, there's a hosta well-suited to almost any garden. Most hostas are grown solely for their foliage and its attributes. Leaf color may be shades of green, gold to yellow, white or bluish. Variegated forms of two colors are common. Perceived leaf color may be affected by leaf texture. Hostas with glossy leaves seem to have more color than those with dull ones. Leaves that are crinkled or seersucker-like appear darker than those that are smooth. Hosta leaves have many shapes allowing them to blend easily with other plants. Leaf blades may be rounded to oval, heart shaped, or strap-like. The leaf may be flat, have a wavy edge or be somewhat contorted. Besides their foliage, many hostas are grown for their flowers that may be fragrant, and are produced from early summer to fall. Flowers are tubular or trumpet-like and may be white, lavender to purple, bluish or bicolors. They are arranged as racemes on stalks above the foliage. Flower size varies from as large as three inches across and five inches long to very small. Foliage and flower sizes may not be in the same proportions. Remove finished flower stalks (deadhead) to reserve energy for vigorous growth, not seed production. Hostas grow by underground stems called rhizomes. Some form symmetrical mounds while others develop into irregular, informal clumps. In general, growth is more symmetrical in shadier locations. The size of hostas can vary greatly. One of the largest is Hosta 'Blue Angel' measuring four feet in height with leaves that are 14 inches across and 20 inches long. Among the smallest forms is Hosta 'Thumb Nail,' only two inches tall with leaves one-half inch wide and one inch long. Growing conditions and cultural practices can affect size. Hostas will grow in average well-drained soils but prefer those supplemented with organic matter, about one-third by volume, and cultivated to a depth of at least six inches. They will not tolerate soggy conditions, which can lead to rot, especially during winter months. Rather than making regular applications of fertilizer, hostas respond best to enriching the soil over time. If needed, apply a well-balanced, slow release fertilizer at one-half the recommended rate in spring, after growth starts. One inch of water per week is ideal during the growing season. If weather is hot, additional water may be required and should be applied only to the soil around the plants. Light requirements range from full sun to dense shade. It is important to know the specific needs of each hosta. With too much sunlight, leaf color may deviate from normal and some plants may suffer from leaf scorch. However, there are responses to increased light considered desirable by propagators. It results in more flowers, therefore, more potential seeds, and the development of multiple crowns, allowing for a greater number of divisions per plant. Planting, transplanting and dividing should be done in early fall or spring before leaves unfold. When handling hostas, keep the plant and its roots moist. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and one and a half times as wide as its diameter. Place the hosta into the hole with the crown at soil level, then add amended soil as needed. Backfill and water well. Hostas are spaced according to size at maturity. In general, the distance between plants should equal the expected diameter of the clump.Dividing hostas may be done by either cutting away a section of a clump with its roots or by lifting the clump and separating it. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools and replant as directed above. Hostas are classified for use by their height at maturity. "Small" hostas, those under eight inches, do well among tree roots or rocks. Because of their good horizontal character, "edger" hostas (8 to 12 inches) shade the soil inhibiting weed growth. Those growing to 18 inches with a stoloniferous or spreading habit are classed as "groundcovers." "Background" hostas grow to 24 inches and create low barriers or define spaces. Finally, a "specimen" hosta has some unique feature that merits display and may be any height. Call For Price 440-320-7854