Hostas: Divas of the Shade Garden

Hostas: Divas of the Shade Garden

Divas of the shady garden, Hostas provide rich textures and elegantly patterned color with bold foliage, plus midsummer flower spikes. Not surprisingly, they're addictive—3,000–4,000 varieties registered with the American Hosta Society. One could overdose or blow the horticultural budget.

But not all Hostas are equal. Over five decades we've tried and rejected many, identifying what we believe are the essential varieties—tried-and-true classics and the best new introductions. All are reliable, hardy plants that flourish from Zone 3 through 8 or 9 (most of the continental U.S.).

The Right Hosta for You

Differences go beyond appearance. Some thrive only in shade; others tolerate full sun if well-watered. Some ('Thunderbolt', 'Blue Ivory', 'Hadspen Blue') are naturally slug-resistant. Hostas generally find high heat/humidity (Southeast) trying; 'Blue Mouse Ears', 'Magic Fire', 'Thunderbolt' tolerate it better. A few, like Hosta plantaginea 'Venus', bear fragrant flowers.

Hosta Care Summary

• Light/Watering: Best in evenly moist soil, partial shade; a very few tolerate full sun with sufficient water. Drought-tolerant once established; compete with tree roots in North; need regular watering in South.
• Fertilizer/Soil/pH: Thrive in average, even damp, slightly acid soils. Light fertilizer in early spring. Low-maintenance—can be ignored and still perform. For best results: deep, rich soil, consistent watering, occasional compost/aged manure side-dressing. Organic mulch appreciated; keep away from crowns.
• Pests/Diseases: Slugs are the bane—use slug bait, beer dishes, diatomaceous earth. Voles may decimate by eating roots—trap or repel.
• Companions: Lovely with shade-lovers: Ferns, Tiarella, taller Campanulas, Phlox divaricata, Daylilies, true Lilies. Ideal amid spring-flowering bulbs—Hosta foliage obscures dying bulb foliage.
• Reflowering: Very few reflower; cut flower spikes at base when blooming ends.
• Dividing/Transplanting: Best in spring when new leaves still furled, but successful all season with thorough follow-up watering.
• End-of-Season Care: Cut foliage back in fall to eliminate slug overwintering cover (can also do in spring).

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: Light balanced/slow-release fertilizer or compost/organic side-dress when new growth appears. Divide/transplant before leaves unfurl. Water new plants if unseasonably dry.
Mid-Spring: Mulch after soil warms; keep away from crowns to discourage rot.
Late Spring: Watch for slug damage; use preventative measures if active.
Summer: Groom (remove yellow/dead leaves); cut flower spikes as they finish unless collecting seed.
Fall: Cut foliage to soil level. For new plants, winter mulch of evergreen boughs/salt marsh hay after ground freezes to prevent heaving.