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

pests/diseases:

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

controls:

Avoid watering hostas in the evening; doing so attracts slugs and snails. To control slugs, spread diatomaceous earth around the plants, or set out shallow dishes filled with beer. Protect tender emerging shoots from animals and foot 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 pot. Planting distance varies, depending on the variety; space at a distance equal or slightly less than the mature spread. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. At the start of each season, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer, following label 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:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Shade Tolerant
• Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Edging
• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover
• Naturalizing
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower (Use leaves in fresh arrangements)

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 with golden- or blue-foliaged cultivars for contrast.