Hostas - Hosta Plants, Care Varieties and Species

Regarded as a shade loving plant Hosta plants or 'plantain lilies' do in fact like shade, but to grow well they also need a little sun. Hostas are easy care, perfect for a shady border and with around 30 species and countless cultivars available for sale the variety is incredible. Hostas do flower, however they are mainly grown for the foliage. Species and cultivars include, plantaginea, halcyon, blue vision, and Mr Big.

Hosta Plant Profile and Growing Hints

Easy to grow and with outstanding foliage hostas are originally from Japan, China, and Korea, Hostas grow best in morning sun and afternoon shade. They also grow very well in pots or containers and for many growers this is the preferred method.
Planting hostas in a well drained humus rich moist soil in part shade will ensure they will thrive. Protection from the hot afternnon sun is essential. Hostas are best divided every 3-4 years and require fertilising with a liquid seaweed based fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer. Snails and slugs can be a problem, so keep the area around hostas clear. Try some wood ash, dry mulch or sawdust around the plants to deter snails and slugs.

Large clumps of hostas in the garden look fantastic from spring to summer, and when the clumps get real big hostas can be propagated by division, best carried out during winter dormancy, or late autumn.

The best time to buy hostas is in late winter when dormant, ready for planting and making the most of spring growth. Remember that flower colour is almost always a pale lilac to white, and although they are pretty and have a nice scent, remember that you are growing them for the foliage rather than the flowers

Hosta varieties