With their lush foliage and adaptable nature, hostas have become a staple in many home gardens. Unlike other plants that require direct sunlight, hostas can thrive in low-light conditions, making them an ideal choice for spaces with limited natural light. Their shallow root systems also allow them to grow well in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay-based. When they do bloom, the sweet fragrance released is often reminiscent of honeysuckle.
Interestingly, hostas are sometimes referred to as ‘plantain lilies’ due to their large, plantain-like leaves. Like plantain, hostas are known for their hardiness and ease of growth, making them a low-maintenance addition to any garden – even those with neglected corners.
Get to Know Hostas
My mother’s shade-drenched backyard is a lush haven for hostas (Hosta spp.). These versatile plants thrive in the dappled light, wrapping themselves around the brick patio and wood fence. As the late summer blooms unfold, her yard is transformed into an enchanting setting for afternoon gatherings. Interestingly, one of the common names for hosta is ‘Assumption lily’, a nod to its typical flowering period, which coincides with the Catholic feast of the Assumption.
This charming coincidence has led to a long history of using hostas as a symbol of good luck and protection, particularly in medieval times. According to tradition, hostas were blessed on the Assumption and hung above doorways to ward off witches and evil spirits. Today, there are numerous species and over 2,500 cultivars of hosta available, offering a diverse range of options for gardeners.
From shade-loving varieties to those that can tolerate partial sunlight, there’s a hosta to suit every garden. And the best part? These plants are incredibly easy to find, transplant, and maintain, making them a staple in many low-maintenance gardens. Hostas are a versatile addition to any garden, whether it’s a quaint cottage garden or a professional building’s green oasis.
They can thrive in full shade, clay soil, and cold climates, requiring only a six-week period of dormancy each year below 40°F to reset their growth cycle. With USDA Growing Zones 3-9 being suitable for hostas, they’re accessible to many gardeners. While the leaves of the hosta plant are undoubtedly its most striking feature, the flowers should not be overlooked. While they may not be showy or large, many hosta flowers possess an intoxicating fragrance reminiscent of honeysuckle or jasmine.
These sweet-scented blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding to their charm.
Best Hosta Cultivars and Hybrids
Hostas offer an impressive array of leaf styles, allowing you to create a kaleidoscope of diversity in your shade garden. With such a wide range of options, there’s literally a hosta to suit every garden. When selecting the perfect plant, consider factors like color, fragrance, sunlight requirements, and size to ensure it thrives in its new home.
Best Varieties for Flowers
As the summer solstice approaches, hostas enter their flowering phase, typically between June and September, depending on the specific hybrid or cultivar. While hosta blooms may not always be grand or attention-grabbing, they can certainly impress with their beauty, scent, or unique characteristics.
If you’re looking to maximize your enjoyment of these blooms, consider selecting varieties that produce show-stopping flowers. For instance, H.
plantaginea cultivars boast white blossoms with a sweet fragrance, offering a delightful sensory experience. Some popular options in this category include ‘Ambrosia’, ‘Aphrodite’, ‘August Lily’, ‘Cathedral Windows’, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’, ‘Guacamole’, ‘Honeybells’, and ‘Venus’.
Hybrid varieties, such as ‘Brother Stefan’ and ‘Color Festival’, also deserve consideration.
The ‘Golden Tiara’ cultivar, in particular, is worth noting for its impressive display of dark violet flowers that can be coaxed into a second showing if deadheaded after blooming.
Best Varieties for Leaves
When choosing a hosta cultivar for your garden, one of the most significant differences lies in leaf size. At one end of the spectrum are large-leaved varieties, such as ‘Empress Wu’, which boasts leaves that can stretch up to two feet in length and boast broad, dark, and intricately ribbed foliage. In contrast, Hostas like ‘Curly Fries’ grow long, slender leaves, while ‘Whirlwind’ produces wide, white, and green leaves with a unique texture.
Even more striking is the ‘Jet Black’, which transforms from blue to an almost black-green hue later in the season. On the opposite end of the scale are small-leaved varieties, such as the adorable ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, which produces leaves that measure just two inches long and wide. These tiny wonders are not only visually stunning but also boast remarkable thickness and slug resistance.
Similarly, ‘White Feather’s’ foliage resembles a collection of white tailfeathers nestled in the earth, while ‘Color Festival’ flaunts tri-color leaves for an added pop of color.
Planting Hostas
When it comes to planting hostas, timing is everything. You can plant them in early spring, once the soil has thawed and can be worked, or late fall, just before the ground freezes for winter. Make sure to leave about a foot of space between each plant, and consider mulching lightly if you’re planting in the fall. One thing to keep in mind is that hostas don’t actually have bulbs – they’re classified as rhizomes or fibrous roots instead.
This unique characteristic sets them apart from other plants. Hostas are notoriously difficult to grow from seed due to their tendency to hybridize easily. When a hybrid produces seeds, they often won’t produce plants that resemble the parent plant. In some cases, the seeds may even be sterile. However, there is one notable exception: H. ventricosa. If you’re interested in growing this particular variety from seed, it’s definitely possible.
On the other hand, hostas are surprisingly easy to propagate through division. Simply separate the root clumps and replant them – it’s a simple process that requires minimal equipment or expertise. You can either divide up your own plants or ask a fellow hosta enthusiast to share some of their roots with you. Many hosta growers are eager to spread the love for these beautiful plants, and you may be able to find root clumps alongside bulbs at plant stores or in containers.
Soil Preparation
When selecting a spot for your hostas, consider a location with partial shade to full sun, depending on the cultivar’s tolerance. Yellow-leaved hostas can handle more sunlight, while blue-leaved or variegated types require more shade. Hostas are adaptable to various soil types but thrive in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Good drainage is crucial; they can tolerate slow-draining soil or truly well-draining soil. However, avoid planting them in stagnant, mucky soil.
To give your hostas the best start, begin by preparing the soil. Mix in well-rotted manure or compost to create a rich loam. Soak the hosta roots for about an hour to rehydrate them before planting. Dig a hole 4-5 inches deep and plant the root end down, covering it with soil while holding the roots upright to maintain straight growth. Ensure the crown of the plant – where the roots meet the stem – is level with the ground. Water your new hosta thoroughly and top-dress with organic compost.
Finish by adding a layer of mulch to retain moisture. Hostas planted in spring may emerge or produce new growth within two weeks to a month after planting, while fall-planted ones should emerge alongside nearby established hostas during the same period. During dormancy, monitor your plants only for drought conditions; otherwise, they require no watering.
For spring-planted young hostas, keep an eye on their soil moisture and water them once or twice a week to ensure it’s consistently moist but not soggy.
Caring for Your Plants
When it comes to hostas, understanding their specific needs is key to thriving growth. While they do well in partial shade, they require protection from intense afternoon sun and heatwaves. Consider using shade cloth or trimming surrounding trees to ensure optimal conditions. Hostas prefer regular watering, but be mindful not to overwater them. Aim for about an inch of water per week, and adjust accordingly. If the leaves start to droop or tips turn yellow, it’s likely time for a drink.
On the other hand, if you notice these symptoms, it may indicate that your plants are receiving too much moisture. When it comes to fertilization, hostas don’t require concentrated feedings but do benefit from occasional applications of well-rotted compost. Aim for one or two side dressings per year. Some growers focus on the leaves alone and opt to remove flower stalks as they appear.
However, allowing flowers to bloom can be a rewarding experience, and cutting them off at the base after fading won’t harm the plant. In fact, this encourages the plant to channel energy towards lush leaf growth. If you do choose to let your hostas flower, be sure to cut the stalks back once the blooms have faded. This helps redirect energy towards healthy leaf production. Regularly removing damaged or discolored leaves is essential for maintaining a visually appealing display.
In the fall, cut down yellow and mushy leaves to prevent disease and maintain a tidy appearance. As your hostas mature and become overcrowded, be prepared to divide them to promote continued growth.
Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Despite being known for their resilience, hostas are not entirely impervious to problems. While they can thrive in a variety of conditions, they do face some common challenges. For instance,
Snails and Slugs
Hosta growers often find themselves battling two of their garden’s most unwanted guests: slugs and snails. These pests share the same preferences as hostas – they thrive in moist, shaded environments. To combat this issue, I’ve taken to releasing my ducks among the hostas to hunt down these slimy invaders.
If you don’t have access to a flock of ducks, our comprehensive guide on controlling slugs and snails provides valuable insights and practical advice for keeping your hosta plants safe from their grasp.
Herbivores
When it comes to hostas, three common culprits – deer, voles, and rabbits – can wreak havoc on your garden. The most vulnerable are young plants, which can easily be devoured by hungry wildlife. To prevent this, consider encasing newly planted hostas with cages or fencing to deter these unwanted visitors. Alternatively, you can try spraying predator scents throughout the flower garden to keep them at bay.
For more effective deer control methods, look no further than our comprehensive guide.
On the other hand, when it comes to voles, a separate strategy is required. We’ve got you covered with a dedicated guide on how to effectively manage these pesky pests.
Hosta Virus X
While hostas are generally resilient to common garden diseases, they do have their own unique vulnerabilities. One of the most concerning issues affecting hosta plants is Hosta Virus X (HVX). This disease manifests as angular mottling on the leaves, making it difficult to distinguish between a natural mutation and an actual infection. To confirm the diagnosis without risking the loss of your plant, it’s essential to send an affected leaf to a reputable agricultural extension for testing.
Unfortunately, if your hosta is found to be infected with HVX, the only viable solution is to remove and dispose of the plant altogether.
Leaf Spot
Hostas are susceptible to Phyllosticta leaf spot, a fungal disease that thrives in hot and humid environments. The initial symptoms of this disease are small brown spots on the leaves, which can quickly spread and develop into larger lesions that eventually crack and cause the leaves to fall apart. If left unchecked, Phyllosticta leaf spot can be fatal to the entire plant.
To prevent its spread, it’s essential to reduce watering in hot and humid weather and promptly remove any infected leaves, taking care to dispose of them by burning to ensure the fungus is killed. As an additional measure, copper-based fungicides can be used to control the disease, with spraying scheduled every 10 days until flowering. However, it’s crucial to discontinue use after flowering to protect pollinators.
How to Use Hostas
When it comes to utilizing shady areas, hostas are a popular choice. To create a striking visual display, consider planting large clusters of a single cultivar or multiple varieties. However, hostas’ utility extends beyond simply filling gaps in shaded zones. They can be used to great effect as groundcover at the base of trees, on the north side of a house or outbuilding, or as a border for a partially shady garden. What’s more, these plants have a surprising additional use: they’re edible.
In Japan, growers take advantage of this by blanching the emerging stalks in the spring by piling rice hulls around them. The resulting shoots, known as urui, are then enjoyed much like asparagus. But that’s not all – the young leaves, stalks, and flowers can also be savored.
