Hostas are a very popular plant grown primarily for their attractive foliage. Hostas flower in summer and the flowers spikes are also a welcome addition to the shade garden.
The foliage on Hostas varies from 'blue' through to 'creamy white'. Blue leaf Hostas really do need the shade, the lighter leafed versions seem to be able to cope a little better with sun.
All Hostas prefer a humus rich moist but well drained soil. Although Hosta are considered a 'shade plant' they do not do well in extremely deep shade.
HOSTA PLANT CARE
Hostas are relatively pest and disease free, although snails and slugs can be a problem, a snail and slug control program is best started in early spring, watch out for the silvery trails. Hostas do not like frost, so when the first signs of frost appear its time to cut back the hostas. Water hostas early in the morning. Hostas do well in containers or pots.
DIVIDING and TRANSPLANTING HOSTAS
Dividing and transplanting Hostas is best carried out in late summer, plants are still in active growth and will have time to establish new root systems before the winter.
Plants can be dug with a gardening fork or removed from a pot and once some of the soill is removed they can generally be gently worked apart withou the need to cut.
Replant hosta plants and water in well with a seaweed or fish emulsion fertilizer. Keep newly divided or transplanted hostas in a cool position and water frequently until they are esablished. (But don't overwater) |
