Hostas, often called Plantain Lilies, are shade-loving perennials known for their lush, textured foliage. With a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colours, these hardy plants create eye-catching displays in shaded garden areas. Hostas are a go-to choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and low-maintenance elegance in their outdoor spaces.
Planting Calendar
Hostas are best planted in spring.
Prepare
Hostas are a great plant that has many uses in the garden, with its striking bold foliage and dainty bell shaped flowers. The look great when planted in groups of contrasting colours, they can be planted beneath deciduous trees for a woodland effect and can even be grown in containers.
Position
Hostas prefer full to partial shade, with a soil rich in organic matter. Leaf colours are usually brighter and display more pronounced variegation when the plants get plenty of light.
Soil
When planted into the ground, Hosta prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Hosta like a moist soil that drains well. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Hostas are virtual banquet for slugs and snails, so repeated applications of slug bait will be required.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Hosta do not generally need spraying.
Pruning
Remove old faded flowers stems and divide in spring if required.
Beginner Tip
Hosta's die right back over winter and spring out again in spring. Hosta's will grow well for years without being divided. Divide the plants if they outgrow their space, divide Hosta's in early spring before the leaves unfurl. Use a sharp spade to slice off parts of the clump or remove the entire clump from the ground and cut it into pieces.
Expert Tip
Hosta's with golden foliage are more colourful when their leaves are in direct sunlight for part of the day. Blue-leaved Hosta's look their best when they get very little direct sun.
Tip
When Hosta leaves have brown, scorched edges or tips, it usually indicates that the plants need to be moved to a shadier location and receive more moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best location to plant Hostas?
Hostas thrive in partial to full shade. They prefer a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect their leaves from scorching.
How often should I water my Hostas?
Hosta like a moist soil that drains well. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
How do I divide Hostas?
Divide Hostas in the spring or early autumn. Dig up the clump, then carefully separate the roots into smaller sections and replant them immediately.
What type of soil is best for Hostas?
When planted into the ground, Hosta prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
How can I protect my Hostas from pests?
Slugs and snails are common pests. Use slug pellets or traps, and consider copper tape around pots. Regularly check for pests and remove them by hand if necessary.