Hostas are perennial plants that provide attractive foliage from spring until frost. They are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and can live indefinitely. Every year they will increase in size, and beauty. Hostas rarely if ever need division, and achieve their best appearance when left undisturbed.

Placement: Hostas grow best in partially shaded areas, and can tolerate very shady areas. Except for a few varieties they need protection from the heat of afternoon sun.

Planting Instructions: Hostas prefer loose well-drained soil, usually garden soil amended with compost or soil conditioners. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the current roots and to accommodate future growth. When in doubt dig 10-12 inches deep and about 18 inches in diameter. Form a mound of soil in the center of the hole and spread the roots over the mound, adjust the height of the mound to provide the proper planting depth. If roots are tangled they must be untangled. Planting depth is ½ to 1 inch from the top of the roots or crown of the plant. Do not plant too deep. The roots should be covered with soil and the place on the stem where the individual leaves branch off should be above the ground. Fill to ground level with amended soil. Check planting depth and make sure the roots remain covered after ground has settled. This is especially important shortly after planting and during the first winter after planting.

Watering: Keep well watered. Hostas are often referred to as being drought tolerant. To some extent that is true, especially for mature plants. Most hostas can survive quite well with the normal rainfall and only a little supplemental watering, but that doesn't mean that they will grow well. If you want your hostas to grow well, have lush foliage, and to have your big varieties actually get big, then watering is the best thing you can do. We recommend 1½ inch per week for hostas grown in part shade. Those in sunnier spots will need more water. As a point of reference, a normal fescue lawn needs about 1 inch per week.

Fertilizer: Application of fertilizer in the spring through early summer when the hostas are actively growing is beneficial. We recommend feeding with water-soluble fertilizer at one half strength or use as directed for continuous feeding. We recommend that you do not fertilize in the fall.

Mulch: Mulch is an excellent way to make the most of your watering and to reduce weeds. It is important not to mulch too deep, especially right next to hostas. One to two inches of mulch is adequate and the mulch should be several inches away from the hosta crown and shoots. Mulching up to the stems is not good for the hostas.

Other Maintenance: Trim damaged leaves and faded flower stalks. When trimming more than one plant tools should be cleaned and disinfected after cutting each plant. The transfer of sap from one plant to another can spread Hosta Virus X and other diseases, so cleaning and disinfecting tools between cuttings has become essential for disease control. In the fall, after the foliage dies back for the winter, remove the old foliage. Although the foliage may be left in place until spring, we recommend removing hosta foliage in the fall. To help prevent pests and disease hosta foliage should not be composted. If needed begin slug and snail control as hostas emerge in the spring.