Hot for Hostas!

By Melanie Mathieson
Gardening Guru

With over 6000 varieties most of which are hardy to Zone 2, Hostas can be a wonderful addition to almost every garden. Hostas are though, easy to grow perennials that are one of the best performing plants in shade conditions. Don’t think of them as a boring plant or one to stick alone under the shade of a tree, Hostas can be used as border or background plants, groundcovers or even grown in containers. I use Hostas in my own gardens for their lovely foliage but many other gardeners like their flowers too.
Now you may be thinking so what a big leafy green plant that grows in the shade. But before you give up on the thought of planting a Hosta or two in a shady area of your garden, check out your local nurseries, gardening books or online to see all the interesting varieties available today. Just as an example, some varieties have vibrant springtime colours that stay true all season; blue, green, yellow and white foliage combinations; flat, curled, cupped, wavy, puckered, embossed, ruffled, wrinkled and pleated leaves; some furrowed with sunken veins or edged with distinct, crimped undulations (think pie crust) along the margins. Other new varieties tolerate more sun; have thick leaves tough enough to fend off slugs and snails; or have white or purple, funnel or bell-shaped blooms with exceptional fragrance. I recently was given a variety that produces blue blooms which I cannot wait to see. In my opinion, the greatest hybridization of the Hosta occurred when they developed dwarf Hostas. I have over 25 varieties of Hosta in my shade gardens and at least 15 are dwarf varieties (less than 8 inches in height, but still will grow up to 2 feet in diameter). I use the dwarf varieties as edge plantings. They are so cute and dainty, come in many foliage colour combinations and shock most visitors to the garden. Many gardeners are unaware of the dwarf Hosta varieties but once they see, them they want them too.
The Hosta is tolerant of shade, but will grow better when some sunlight is available. If you place your Hostas in a deeply shaded area, they may survive however, they will not thrive. Ideally, you will find a Hosta location that provides sunshine in the morning and shade during the hotter afternoon hours. Hosta plants will handle up to six hours of sunlight per day but when Hostas are placed in full afternoon sun, they can burn. This decreases their attractiveness and limits their potential for growth. If you want to put them in a sunny spot, choose the yellow or whiter leafed varieties and remember the blue-leafed Hostas do better with more shade. Check the tag it will recommend the best light for each variety. Hostas are great for gardens where you have spring bulbs and your early blooming perennials. After they are finished, the Hosta leaves will begin to take off and cover those spaces. Consider planting them with the beautiful blooms of impatiens or begonias as well.
In general, Hostas grow best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with a slightly elevated pH level. They do require regular watering, but Hostas will grow without added nutrients in many cases, but they are far more likely to reach their full potential with a good fertilizer regime. Make sure you check the tag of any new variety your purchase just to make sure they do not need any additional special care or planting needs. Although they are small when first planted, Hostas planted in ideal conditions will grow large, so plan accordingly ensuring that that you do not overcrowd the flower bed and allow ample room for expansion. Be patient they space will fill in as I have had Hostas that started as a few leaves and within 4-5 years were over 3 feet in diameter. Fortunately, Hostas can be easily divided and shared with fellow gardeners. Gardening Guru Tip: If you want your Hostas to grow and expand faster, make sure to trim away the flower stalks as soon as you see them emerging. If you want to enjoy the flowers, then let the stalks remain until they are done blooming and then immediately trim away before the plant can set seeds. This allows the energy used for flower and seed production to be used by the plant making a stronger, hardier and larger plant in less time.
Hostas are tough, but they are not invulnerable to attack. Hostas can fall prey to snails and slugs. These pests often avoid detection until signs of damage emerge. It is a good idea to use special bait/pesticides around the base of your Hostas to keep them safe from these predators. There are chemical products available that can deter slugs and a previous column outlined many organic ways to deter slugs. Try any one of the methods to keep your Hostas pest free. One other pest that likes Hostas is the deer. Placing chicken wire over your Hostas my prevent munching but hungry deer can be relentless.
Hostas die back each year and fade very quickly after the first frost, so cut them back right away after the first frost. It is much easier to do this in the fall then clean them up in the spring. You can divide your plants in the spring or late summer by digging up the Hosta and dividing the clumps in half or if they are large, into several sections. Use a sharp knife of shovel if need be. Replant the same as you would for a new plant. You may find that they will not bloom the first year after transplanting but they will still grow foliage.
Hostas make a perfect addition to many landscapes. Their beauty and resilience make them an attractive part of many garden plans. Mix them with color, try new varieties and don’t be afraid to move them or try new things! Their foliage can add texture and character to landscapes. Following these tips for Hosta growth will help you get the most out of these wonderful plants.