did you know?

Hostas are extremely tough, long-lived perennials that may outlast their owners. The hosta’s common name, plantain lily, was inspired by the large size of its leaves and comes from the Latin word meaning "sole of the foot." The genus was named in honor of Nicolaus Thomas Host (1761?1834), physician to the emperor in Vienna.

general maintenance:

Deadhead after they flower, and cut foliage to the ground after first frost or before spring growth resumes. Divide hostas approximately every 3 to 5 years as needed, preferably after plants have flowered.

pests/diseases:

This cultivar is disease resistant but susceptible to slug and snail damage.

controls:

Avoid watering hostas in the evening; doing so attracts slugs and snails. For slugs, spread diatomaceous earth around the plants, or set out shallow dishes filled with beer. Protect tender emerging shoots from animals and human traffic.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in spring or fall in a site receiving morning sun in north and filtered shade in south. Amend soil with well-rotted manure or compost. Plant container-grown hostas at the same depth they were in the pot. Planting distance varies, depending on the variety; space at a distance equal to or slightly less than the mature spread. Mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil all season to maintain moisture. At the start of each season, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

Plant early spring bulbs such as crocus and daffodils at the base of hostas. The hosta leaves will cover the bulb foliage as it fades.

features:

• Disease Resistant
• Frost Tolerant
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover (hostas thrive in shady woodland gardens; use them as ground covers or in mixed borders)
• Rock Garden
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

combine with:

other shade-loving plants, such as false goatsbeard bleeding heart barrenwort dead nettle lungwort and foam flower or combine with other hostas, mixing golden- or blue-foliaged cultivars with variegated types for contrast.