Plant of the Week: Hosta

These shade loving perennials, also known as Plantain Lily, are prized for their lush foliage and their fragrant summer blooms. Hostas come in every shade of green you can think of. Bright lime greens, unique blueish-green, variegated greens and whites and more! While primarily grown for their foliage, Hostas do indeed bloom. Slender stalks, dripping with fragrant, light purple flowers emerge in the summer, leaving behind those spectacular leaves once the flowers fade.

Sizing varies as much as their foliage so be sure to check plants tags for an accurate idea of how large (or small) your Hosta will get.

Full to part shade. Avoid afternoon sun which can cause leaf scorch.

Moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.0. Hostas are not drought tolerant so be sure to keep watered during dry spells and use mulch to help keep soil moist.

Fertilize once new growth emerges in spring with an all-purpose fertilizer like Dr. Earth Life

We recommend planting Hostas in vole bags to keep voles from nibbling on the roots. Spray with a deer repellant, like Liquid Fence to keep hungry deer away.

Some of Our Favorite Varieties

Angel Falls - This variety averages 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It’s leaves are variegated with bright green centers and dark green edging.

Elegans - A dark green variety that averages 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Unlike other hostas, Elegans blooms white.

Neptune - This solid colored variety is a beautiful bluish-green and reaches between 1 and 2 feet tall, 3 to 4 feet wide.

Patriot - One of the most popular varieties, Patriot averages 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It’s leaves are variegated with green centers and creamy white margins.

Sum & Substance - This chartreus variety adds a bright splash of color to shady spots. Averages 2 to 3 feet tall but can reach 5 to 6 feet wide!

Sun Power - Averages 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It’s bright green leaves take on a golden hue in summer and it’s more sun tolerant than other hostas.