What to plant with Hosta?
The Best Perennial Plant Companions for Hosta Gardens
- Astilbe ( Astilbe)
- Coral Bells ( Heuchera)
- Bleeding Hearts ( Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
- Lungwort ( Pulmonaria spp.)
- Japanese Painted Fern ( Athyrium niponicum)
How far apart to plant hostas?
Space large hostas about 30 to 36 inches apart, medium-sized hostas 18 to 24 inches apart, small hostas at 12 to 18 inches and the dwarf varieties closest at 6 to 8 inches. While hostas are the ideal flowering plants for shade, some can withstand some sun if the area gets afternoon shade.
What are the largest giant hostas?
- Key West Hosta forms an impressive mound of bright gold foliage 80 inches wide.
- Liberty Hosta, a Giant hosta plant will brighten up any garden.
- The wavy green leaves of Empress Wu are said to be the biggest hosta leaves ever!
Do Hosta plants have flowers?
Yes, they do. Hosta plants grow flowers, and some are lovely and fragrant. But hosta plants are known for their gorgeous overlapping leaves, not for hosta plant flowers. Read on for information about flowers on hosta plants and for an answer to the question: should you let hosta grow flowers.
Do hostas come back every year?
Hostas are perennials, which means they will come back bigger and better every year. Most hostas grow well in Zones 3 to 9. These versatile shade plants form a mound of leaves but vary greatly by variety, offering differences in plant size, leaf shape, and leaf color.
What is the lifespan of a hosta plant?
Hostas require little care and will live to be 30 or more years if properly cared for. While most known for thriving in the shade garden, the reality is more nuanced. The ideal situation is dappled shade.
Will hostas survive winter?
Hostas are a hardy perennial plant that grow well in zones 3-9. This plant will survive cold temperatures, but will need a few things done to prepare for the change in season. Hostas actually benefit from the colder temperatures while it is in the dormant phase.
Where is the best place to plant hosta?
To plant hostas, select a spot that receives partial to full shade. Most types of hostas can withstand morning sun but prefer a shady setting. It's important to know that these perennials grow best in soil that's fertile and full of organic matter.
What happens if you don't divide hostas?
You'll know your hostas need to be divided when they get too crowded and the center of a clump starts to die out. As a general rule, count on dividing the plants every three to four years to keep them at their healthiest. Some slow-growing varieties may need more time before they're ready for division.
Do hostas spread?
Allow plenty of room when you plant to accommodate for their mature size. Small varieties spread three times as wide as they are tall. Medium-size varieties spread twice their height, and the larger varieties are at least as wide as they are tall.
Do hostas like sun or shade?
shadeIt's for good reason—hostas absolutely love shade. Indeed, they languish in the hot afternoon sun so your shady landscape will provide them just the right conditions.
Do hostas need to be covered during a freeze?
Nighttime Covering: Whatever route you go, if your potted Hostas are out in the elements for the winter, you will want to provide them with a nighttime covering. This can be burlap, frost cloth, sheets, cardboard boxes, or even inverted pots.
How do you winterize hostas outside?
Cut the leaves all the way to the ground. This will discourage slugs and rodents as well as diseases. Destroy the cut leaves to prevent any possibility of spreading potential diseases. Mulch the hostas with 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.)
Are hostas better in pots or ground?
Hostas grow horizontally, so it is recommended that you choose a container that has less than 3 inches of space between the roots and the side of the pot. This will allow space for the roots to grow as the leaves of the hosta spread out. A smaller pot will keep the hosta healthy and happy.
Will hostas grow back if you cut them down?
If you have even been so unfortunate to have your hostas visited by deer during the growing season, you are probably well aware that even when they munch down the plant to within inches of the ground, the hosta will regrow its foliage time and time again. This is important to remember for late summer and fall care.
Should you deadhead hostas?
If you wish to enjoy the showy flowers, wait until they fade to deadhead the plant. This keeps your hostas looking neat and attractive.
Will hostas grow back if you cut them down?
If you have even been so unfortunate to have your hostas visited by deer during the growing season, you are probably well aware that even when they munch down the plant to within inches of the ground, the hosta will regrow its foliage time and time again. This is important to remember for late summer and fall care.
How long can hostas survive out of the ground?
How Long Can Hostas Survive Out of the Ground? Hostas can be quite resilient and can survive for several hours out of the ground. When the soil and the roots of the hosta plant are noticeably dry, it is recommended to soak the clump in water for 2 hours or more.
Do hostas like sun or shade?
shadeIt's for good reason—hostas absolutely love shade. Indeed, they languish in the hot afternoon sun so your shady landscape will provide them just the right conditions.
Should hostas be cut back for winter?
Hostas are a perennial plant, meaning that it's leaves die back in the winter. Known for having large waxy leaves that produce long stalks with blooms, this easy to care for plant will need to be cut back in the fall. To promote healthy blooms in the spring, it is important to prepare the hostas for winter.
How big do hostas get?
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is one of the largest and most popular hostas around. It has huge chartreuse leaves that can reach 24 inches long. The plant grows 24 inches tall and 60 inches wide. Zones 3-9
What is a hosta plant?
Hosta. Also called plantain lily, hostas come in a diverse range of foliage shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. There is truly a hosta for everyone, whether it be an adorable miniature hosta for a trough garden or a mammoth monster of a plant to fill up a big space under a shade tree. genus name.
Why do hostas mutate?
As a whole, hostas are genetically unstable plants. This causes them to mutate fairly regularly, or "sport." A sport occurs when a hosta that may be typically all green sends up a new leaf that looks different, say variegated, for example. If this variegated sport is fairly stable (meaning it doesn't turn back to green after a while), it can be divided and treated as a new variety.
What is the pest problem with Hosta Virus X?
Another newer pest problem is Hosta Virus X. This tricky virus causes mottling of the foliage that almost looks ornamental in some cases. In fact, before this virus was properly identified, some varieties were introduced into the plant trade as having novel foliage, which was actually due to the virus.
How many different hostas are there?
With well over 3,000 different ones to choose from, you're bound to find at least a few hosta varieties that appeal to you. Luckily, hostas are generally easy plants to grow; with a few general rules of thumb, you can help them thrive in your own garden.
Why are my hostas turning brown?
Foliar nematodes have become a recent problem for hostas. Most common in the summer, these microscopic worms eat through leaf veins, which causes the foliage to yellow and eventually brown. Unfortunately, there is no known fix for foliar nematodes, and infected plants should be tossed to prevent spreading.
Do hostas like full sun?
While almost all hostas can handle full shade, some thrive in full sun. Varieties with variegated leaves will show best color in at least part sun. In too much shade, these varieties may turn back to an all-green color. Blue-leaf varieties prefer some shade and do better in cooler climates.
How to keep hostas healthy?
To keep your growing hostas healthy, fertilize them each spring with an all-purpose garden fertilizer. Additional summer fertilizing may be helpful, but not necessary. Granular fertilizers should never sit on the leaves. With the exception of crown rot and leaf rot, Hosta plants are relatively disease free. Deer find them tasty and ...
What color are hosta leaves?
Hosta leaves come in a variety of greens, ranging from a color so deep it’s called blue to a light chartreuse to a soft creamy white. A good rule of thumb for the placement and care of hostas is the lighter the foliage, the brighter the sun. The deeper darker foliage retains it color best in moderate shade. The variegated varieties need more ...
How long does it take for hostas to mature?
All hostas need some shade and few, if any, will do well in strong direct sunlight. They will fully mature in four to eight years. For the best care of hostas, plant them in rich organic soil with a slightly acidic pH.
How big do hostas grow?
Hosta plants are a beautiful addition to any garden and fit well in a variety of spaces, ranging from a few inches to four feet (1.2 m.) across. Care of hostas is easy and now you’ve discovered the basics of how to grow hostas, you’ll find them a welcome addition to your yard. Printer Friendly Version.
What is a hosta plant?
Image by Nataba. Hosta plants are a perennial favorite among gardeners. Their lush foliage and easy care make them ideal for a low maintenance garden. Originating in the Orient and brought to the Europe in the 1700s, today there are over 2,500 cultivars with such variety in leaf shape, size and texture, that an entire garden could be devoted ...
Do hostas have disease?
With the exception of crown rot and leaf rot, Host a plants are relatively disease free. Deer find them tasty and if deer are a problem in your neighborhood, you might try planting daffodils around your hosta to keep them away from the emerging shoots.
Do hostas tolerate soil?
In spite of their almost tropical look, hostas are rugged and once established, they tolerate almost any soil and will grow for years. When discussing how to grow hostas, drainage is most important.
How big do Hosta sieboldiana plants get?
Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans': Grows 30 inches tall with up to a 4-foot spread; large leaves (10 by 13 inches) are heart-shaped and have a corrugated texture and blue-green color
How long does it take for a hosta to grow?
Smaller varieties tend to grow fastest and can reach their mature size in three to five years; larger types may take five to seven years. Hostas can be planted in early spring or as soon as the heat of summer ends in early fall. They can also be grown indoors with a little extra care. Botanical Name. Hosta spp.
What are the different types of hostas?
Some of the favorite hosta varieties include: 1 H. 'Blue Mouse Ears': A tiny hosta growing only 6 to 12 inches high with round, heart-shaped blue-green leaves 2 H. 'Golden Tiara': Light green leaves with yellow edging; grows about 16 inches tall and 38 inches wide 3 H. tardiana 'Halcyon': Pale, spade-shaped leaves, gray-blue in color; grows 18 to 24 inches tall in clumps up to 3 feet wide 4 H. sieboldiana 'Frances Williams': Large, puckered leaves 12 inches wide, dark green with light-green veining; grows 2 feet tall and up to 5 feet in spread 5 H. 'Patriot': Medium-size green leaves with white margins; grows up to 18 inches tall with a 30-inch spread 6 H. 'Sum and Substance': A huge hosta growing to 30 inches tall and 5 feet in spread; large leaves (15 by 20 inches) are heart-shaped, starting glossy yellow and gradually turning golden 7 Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans': Grows 30 inches tall with a 4-foot spread; large leaves (10 by 13 inches) are heart-shaped and have a corrugated texture and blue-green color
How big do hostas get?
Small: plants that mature to 9 to 15 inches tall. Medium: plants that mature to 16 to 21 inches tall. Large: plants that mature to 22 to 29 inches tall.
Why are my hosta leaves turning yellow?
When plants have green and yellow variegated leaves, exposure to morning sun helps enhance the yellow coloring. Check the specific light requirements of your hosta variety. If the leaves develop brown tips, they have faded areas, or their color is dull, the plant may be getting too much sun.
How long do hostas need to be dormant?
Hostas need a minimum of six weeks of weather below 42 degrees Fahrenheit to go dormant during the winter. Outdoors, this occurs naturally in most areas, but it's a notable challenge of growing hostas indoors. Indoor pots can be stored in a garage, basement, or crawlspace (even in refrigerator) to ensure dormancy. Temperatures must be between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit so the plants do not freeze.
How big does a sieboldiana get?
H. sieboldiana 'Frances Williams': Large, puckered leaves 12 inches wide, dark green with light-green veining; grows 18 to 24 inches tall and up to 5 feet in spread
What hosta has heart shaped leaves?
'Frances Williams' is one of the most popular hostas of all time — and for good reason. This large variegated hosta has huge (12-inch) heart-shaped leaves with a puckered texture and prominent veins. The leaves are predominately blue-green with irregular greenish-yellow margins, which lighten to a creamy white with age. This hosta type is very easy to grow, spreading as much as 5 feet over time.
What hostas have lavender bells?
Another good variegated hosta is 'Patriot', which sends up its lavender blooms slightly later than 'Undulata Variegata.' This cultivar is a "sport," a genetic mutation of another popular hosta, H. 'Francee.' 'Patriot' can spread as much as 30 inches, and the lavender bell-shaped flowers appear in summer on 34-inch stalks that rise above the leaf clumps.
How many species of hosta are there?
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. Part of the Asparagaceae family, Hosta is a large genus comprising more than 70 species as well as hundreds of hybrids and cultivars. With rare exception, these herbaceous shade-loving perennials are grown for their foliage, not their flowers, yet hostas still offer surprisingly diverse color.
What is a variegated hosta?
Variegated hostas are usually green with white or yellow margins. The foliage is termed "medio variegated" when the lighter color (white, light green, or yellow) occurs in the center of the leaf. For example, 'Undulata Variegata' is white in the middle with green at the edges.
How big do hostas get?
'Sum and Substance' is quite a large plant, sometimes approaching 3 feet in height and 5 feet in spread. Its very large, heart-shaped yellow-to-golden leaves are glossy and have deep texture. This is a typical golden hosta that needs a fair amount of sun to bring out its best color. Fragrant bell-shaped flowers bloom in late summer atop 38-inch stalks. This multiple prize winner is among the best of the yellow hosta types.
How to propagate hostas?
Once established, hostas are incredibly easy to propagate by dividing the root clumps in spring or fall. Here are 12 excellent hosta types that run the gamut of foliage color.
What does "undulata" mean in hostas?
Elena Peremet / Getty Images. Any number of hosta cultivars can carry the terms "undulata" or "variegata" in their names. The former refers to a plant with leaves that have wavy or rippled edges, while the latter indicates leaves that are bicolor, with a central color surrounded by a contrasting margin.
How tall do hostas grow?
The family name was previously Agavaceae. They are native to Asia and grow to an average height of 1.5-2.5 feet tall. Their form is clumping or mount forming with short sometimes stoloniferous rhizomes.
What are some problems with plants?
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and chewing insects are occasional pests. Leaf spot and rots are disease problems. These plants are frequently damaged (loved!) by deer
What is a scapose raceme?
Flowers are white or lilac. A scapose raceme bearing large leafy bracts and small bracts; leafy bracts often drying and persisting; inflorescence axis erect to spreading. Salverform-campanulate to funnelform; perianth tube narrow, abruptly flaring into a bell-shaped with 6 free lobes, white to anthocyanin pigmented.
When do hostas bloom?
They blooming late summer to early fall with white to lilac tubular flowers. Divide Hostas in the early spring as leaves emerge from the ground. Utilize them mass planted in perennial beds, under tall trees, pools, rock gardens, planters, edging, or naturalized areas. They are slightly salt tolerant.
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