Hosta gardening is a popular pastime throughout the United States, due to the hardiness and low maintenance of hosta plants. Hostas can be planted in most regions of the United States, sometimes as late as November, but they should be planted at least four to six weeks before the arrival of the first frost. August is generally the best month to plant a hosta garden, since the hosta is an unusual perennial that sleeps through the entire winter. The colorful foliage and fragrance of hostas are delightful additions to any landscape or outdoor environment.
Hostas come in many different varieties, varying in height from the small 8" hosta to the much larger variety that often reaches several feet in height. Hostas will grow in partial shade or sunny locations, with frosty blue-green to gray leaves in the shade and brighter greens and golds in southern climates. Variegated hostas have heart-shaped or spiky leaves, with stripes, streaks, or edges of soft cream, white, or yellow. Many hostas display showy white and lavender flowers on tall spikes during the summer months. The absence of sufficient cold or excessive dry air can prevent obstacles to successful hosta gardening.
Although hostas will grow almost anywhere, they prefer moist, well-drained soil. Large quantities of rich organic material (shredded leaves are often used) will aid in moisture retention and will encourage strong root growth of hostas, which reach maturity within two or three years. A balanced, 20-20-20 or 20-10-10 fertilizer that is high in nitrogen should be applied in early spring as the hosta begins to emerge from the soil. Further applications that are lower in nitrogen can be added in moderate amounts throughout the summer, but gardeners must be careful not to burn or over-fertilize the hostas.
To divide or not to divide is often the question in hosta gardening. Hostas do not necessarily have to be divided, unless space becomes a problem or new and additional plants are desired. At times, the center of the hosta garden may die, leaving a mass of inactive plants. These should be removed to encourage the growth of healthy hostas. Hostas can be separated at the crown, where the leaves join the roots, by pulling or cutting each individual crown from the clump or by digging up and replanting the entire plant.
Hostas should be provided with some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day, to promote larger leaves and sturdier plants. Slugs, not weeds, are the biggest threat to hosta gardening. There are a number of ways, however, to get rid of these pests, such as using beer or a solution of ammonia and water, slug baits, or sprinkling a fine ground powder of seashells (sold at nurseries) on the hostas. Frequent cultivation of the hosta garden is recommended, along with the removal of excess mulch where slugs tend to gather.
An interesting hosta that blooms in late summer is a species from China, most often called the August lily. These hostas respond to a lot of sunshine, producing large flowers and filling the air with a wonderful fragrance. In addition, hostas can be grown in containers outdoors, using a mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Frequent watering is necessary for container plants, as are light applications of fertilizer. Containers of hostas should be brought into a garage or covered porch, however, at the first sign of winter. It's a good idea to water them at least once a month until they can be safely brought back outside after the last frost.
Hosta gardening is easy, rewarding, and fun. After a long nap in the winter, when your hostas lie dormant, they will awake again in the spring, adding beauty and color to your gardening world.
