Celebrating 10 years of helping your gardens grow!
[
The Garden Helper][
Gardening Basics][
"How to" Guides][
House plants][
Glossary of Terms]
[
Garden Encyclopedia][USDA Zones][
Monthly Reminders][
Free Screensavers][Recipes]
[
**** The Gardener's Forum ****]
Care and Cultivation of the Plantain Lily
Hosta
June 9, 1999
The Hosta, or Plantain Lily, is a very useful long lived perennial for the shade garden. This family of plants is known for it's decorative, large clumps of lush green foliage and spikes of lily shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers which appear later in summer. The leaves come in a broad range of solid colors, from blue to green or gold. The most common leaf shape is heartlike, but some varieties have narrow, straplike leaves.There are few perennials that are as easy to grow as Hostas... but you must remember a few basic rules.
Hostas thrive in filtered shade, such as you would find in their natural habitat... the forest floor. The fragrant Hostas and the solid green varieties will tolerate full sun, but these types are better off with morning sun than hot afternoon sun. Although Hostas are somewhat drought resistant, the more light which they receive, the more water the plant will need to survive, so watering should be increased proportionate to the brightness of the lighting.
Hostas should be grown in well-drained, rich organic soils. They will tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5). An organic fertilizer, or top dressing of compost should be applied in early spring, then again in mid summer.
Most Hostas are hardy in zones 3-9, but they will benefit from some winter protection by mulching.
Hosta generally can be grown untouched for many years, but if the plant overgrows it's setting, it can be transplanted easily in the spring. Hostas can be propagated by seed or increased by dividing mature clumps. The best time is to divide is early spring, when the new growth just begin to show. Large clumps can be cut into quarters using a sharp, straight edged shovel, an axe or a large knife. To divide smaller Hostas, dig up the clump and shake off most of the soil. Pull the rhizomes apart or seperate them with a sharp knife, making sure each division has a good cluster of leaves and plenty of roots. When you replant be sure to leave plenty of space for growth, because each summer will see your specimens grow larger and better.
Slugs and snails consider this plant a delicacy. Be sure to take steps to protect your Hosta from these creatures.
[
Home page][
The Garden Helper][
Site index]
[
Plants by common terms][
Plants by botanical terms][
'How to' Gardening guides][
Monthly reminders]
[
Free Screensavers][
Animations and Graphics][
Nature Photos]
[
Gardeners Forum][
Gardening Glossary][Link to the Garden Helper]
[hosta]
