Hosta Information and Growing Tips

Hostas originate from Asia, and here in the US they are the best known plant for shade gardening. Sometimes called "Plantain Lily," they are in no way related to Plantain.

Thanks to the Hosta's vast popularity, Hosta breeders have cultivated hostas ranging in height from six inches to three feet, and that is just the foliage; the flower stalk adds even more height. Color and texture are what draw most gardeners to hostas, and the color combinations of white, yellow, green, blue, and purple seem endless. As if that weren't enough, the leaves can be described as smooth, cupped, dimpled, curly, ruffled and even embossed. Round leaves, oval leaves, and elongated leaves: All of these options and more mean that gardeners can find just the right hosta for just the right place. With so many varieties available, hosta lovers tend to grow huge collections!!

One of the reasons hostas are so loved is their ease of growth. Varieties range in hardiness from zone 3 to zone 9. A common misconception is that hostas want full, or complete, shade, but this is not actually the case. Hostas will not thrive at all in deep shade and most will do best when grown in an area with morning sun and shade in the afternoon.

Sometimes shade is a difficult place for plants to thrive. Often those areas tend to be overly moist, or too dry due to the roots of the very trees providing the shade. Hostas will struggle with both of these conditions. Build the soil up so your hostas are not planted in standing water, but do provide ample water (and mulch!) to hostas, especially if planted under trees.

Slugs and snails are the primary nemesis of hostas. Here at All Things Plants, we have a few tips to help with that.

Hostas are easy to propagate by division as well as grown from seed. You might as well propagate them. As any plant lover knows, there is always room for one more!!

Enjoy your hostas, and enjoy your gardens!