Growing Hostas

Hostas 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 bi-colors. They are arranged as racemes on stalks above the foliage. 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.

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.

Planting, transplanting and dividing should be done in early fall or spring before the 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. 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. 

When maintained as vigorous, healthy plants, insects, diseases, other pests or problems are rare for hostas. The exception may be slugs because they prefer the same environment as hostas. Moisture is necessary for slug survival, so measures to reduce it can effectively control them.

Credit: Ohio State University