Growing Guide Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Patriot Hostas tolerate Full sun better than any other hosta, but still prefer partial shade.
The hybridizers have gone wild with Hostas, which are now available in sizes from a few inches to
several feet tall with foliage in many bold or subdued patterns and colors. The larger varieties can be
truly architectural and stand out as specimen plants, while other forms are ideal for edging, lighting up
a woodland, or stabilizing a slope.
Light/Watering: Drought-tolerant once established, these plants are at their best in evenly moist
soil in partial shade, although a very few will tolerate full sun with sufficient water. Once established,
Hostas can take a good bit of drought, and will compete successfully with tree roots in the North, but
need regular watering in the South.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Hostas thrive in average, even damp, soils that are slightly acid and will
benefit from a light application of fertilizer in early spring. These low-maintenance plants can be
ignored and they will still perform; to get the most out of them, however, provide deep, rich soil and
consistent watering along with occasional side-dressing of compost or aged manure. An organic mulch
is appreciated but keep it away from the crowns.
Pests/Diseases: Slugs are the bane of Hostas; use slug bait, dishes of beer, and diatomaceous earth
to discourage them. Voles have been known to decimate plantings by eating the roots; trap or use
another method to repel these varmints.
Reflowering: Very few varieties will reflower; cut flower spikes off at their base when blooming is
over.
Dividing/Transplanting: These forgiving plants are best divided in spring when the new leaves are
still furled up, but both division and transplanting are successful throughout the season if attention is
paid to thorough follow-up watering.
End-of-Season Care: Foliage should be cut back in the fall to eliminate cover for overwintering slugs
but this can also done in the spring.
Calendar of Care
Early Spring: Apply a light application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with
compost and organic amendments when new growth appears. Divide or transplant now before leaves
unfurl. Water newly planted plants well if it is unseasonably dry, as Hostas prefer evenly moist soil.
Mid-Spring: Mulch plants after soil has warmed, keeping mulch away from the crowns to discourage
rot.
Late Spring: Watch for slug damage and use preventative measures if slugs are active.
Summer: Groom plants by removing yellow or dead leaves and cut flower spikes back as they finish
blooming, unless you want to collect seed.
Fall: Cut foliage back to soil level. For new plants, provide a winter mulch of evergreen boughs or salt
marsh hay after the ground freezes to help prevent heaving.
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