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Just a few helpful tips will keep your hosta plants healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
Where
to plant... |
| Hostas love the shade! Hosta should be planted in shady areas out of the direct sunlight, most varieties will grow best with just a few hours of morning sunlight. Blue varieties will keep their color longer if grown in open shade, with no direct sun. Green and Gold varieties will tolerate more sun with adequate amounts of water. Hostas are hardy in growing zones 3 through 10. The plants tend to grow larger and produce more intense, bluer and greener coloration in cooler climates. |
Preparing
the plant bed... |
| Hostas thrive in moist , well drained soil which is slightly acidic. Space the plants 2 to 4 feet apart, depending on the variety and the density of the foliage you desire. Some of the larger varieties may need even more space. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the roots making sure the leaves are above ground. |
How
to water hosta... |
During the hot and often dry summer season, hostas will need a regular watering schedule. Do not let the soil dry completely out. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Without adequate moisture, leaves may burn,
especially when planted in too much sun. |
As
the seasons change... |
| All hosta varieties go dormant in the winter. They collapse to almost nothing after a few cold nights. In cold winter areas, cover the collapsed plant with about 3 inches of pine straw mulch to insulate the roots from the severe cold. When spring rolls around, new leaves grow from the roots and the hosta quickly returns to its full leafy glory. Snails and slugs love to eat hostas. Apply Slug and Snail Bait to the area around your hostas 2 to 3 times a year during the growing season. |
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