Growing Pretty Hostas: How To Care For A Hosta Plant

There may well be nothing more attractive than a hosta plant in your yard if you are looking for a shade plant. It favours growth under trees, and particularly in deep-shade.

Hostas are herbaceous perennials that gardeners love for their shade tolerance. Some varieties also thrive in deep shade.Hostas are loved by the gardeners because they are easy to care for, come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. The mounds of hostas have different sizes and broad leaves and tall flower stems.

Water and light requirements

The need for hosta lighting is one of its most significant characteristics. Hostas are so popular, in part, because they tolerate a lot of shade like most perennials. The majority do best in a location that receives a little morning sun with afternoon shade. Most are grown in dappled or even deep shade.

The color of the leaves gives an indication of the light needs of the hosta. The dark colored varieties retain their deep color better with some shade. Lighter colored hostas stay bright when exposed to sunlight.

Hosta plants like a moist soil to grow properly, although it should drain well to avoid root rot. Once established with a healthy root system, the hosta plant tolerates dry soil and drought. Use mulch around the hosta to keep moisture in the soil.

Soil and Manure

Rich soil with a high organic matter content is best for hostas, but it tolerates poorer conditions. The soil should drain well and remain constantly moist for best results.

Fertilizer is usually not needed unless you have poor soil. Use a balanced slow release fertilizer in the spring and avoid over fertilization. Do not apply fertilizer after July, as it can interfere with the preparation of plants for the winter.

Pruning and propagation of Hosta

During the growing season hostas can be pruned very little if at all. You can remove hosta flowers after they are spent and trim yellow or damaged leaves to keep the look tidy. Cut off dead leaves in late fall or early spring.

Propagate hostas by division in early spring. Dig the roots and separate the plants, making sure that each crown has proper roots. You don’t have to divide hostas every year to keep them healthy.

They will simply stunt their growth if they are overcrowded.

Problems, pests and diseases

Deer and rabbits love to eat hosta, especially in the suburbs where natural food is harder to find. They can cut down a plant in one night. Use the repellent to keep them away. Another common pest is snails and slugs, which can be managed with baits such as beer steins.

Diseases are possible but not common in the hosta. Look for signs of root and crown rot and avoid them by spacing the plants properly and draining the soil well.

Hostas are susceptible to various viral diseases. Some signs of infection include streaking between the veins on the leaves, leaf spots and brown spots on the leaves. Plant infection should be eradicated by removing and completely destroying the infected plants. If you want resistant plants when buying plants, look for a resistant variety.

Hosta types

There are a lot of hosta cultivars available at garden centers and online. There’s a hosta for every kind of size and any flavor of color and soil type. A mix of different species adds visual interest to shady beds. Here are just a few varieties you can try:

Pandora's Box - This is one of the smallest varieties and has variegated leaves with a white center and green edges. Even this small variety has rounded, blue green leaves.
Hosta plantaginea - This type of hosta tolerates heat and sun better than most. It is medium-sized with light green leaves and white flowers.
Sum and Substance - Choose this great variety for slug resistance. The leaves are shiny and yellow-green in color. The leaves are thick enough to withstand most impact damage.
Gold Standard – This is a popular variety because of its unique golden green color with darker green edges. It grows up to three feet (0.91 m) in height.
Frances Williams - Frances Williams is another popular variety with deeply folded leaves and a shortened texture. The color is blue-green with lighter edges. That's a lot of variety.
August Moon - This is a light chartreuse variety without variegation. Variations in sunlight change the color.
Blue Angel - For one of the largest hosta specimens possible, try Blue Angel. It has large, textured, deep blue-green leaves. Resist slug damage better than most varieties.