Hosta Guide

Discover the fun and many rewards of growing Hosta. Plant some of these dynamic beauties as borders, in containers, to line pathways, under trees, and grouped with other woodland plants. There are many design options to explore!

Why We Love Hosta

Hosta strike a perfect combination of easy-going and exotic. Here are some top benefits this garden treasure offers.

Visually stunning, with foliage in varying colors, shapes, and textures.
Brighten shaded areas; some also grow well in sun.
Provide nectar and pollen to pollinators, including hummingbirds.
Adapt to various soil conditions.
Undemanding and high-performing.
Suppress weeds and help prevent soil erosion.
Options include fragrant varieties.
Simple to divide and move, which means more plants!
Thrive under trees, even with tree root competition.

Growing Tips for Hosta

Planting: Hosta should be planted in early spring or late summer/early fall.

Water plants well the night before planting. If the pot contains plastic wrap on top, cut it off. All our packaging can be recycled.
You may find it helpful to set out your plants where you intend to plant them. When your arrangement looks pleasing, begin to dig holes (our version of “measure twice—cut once” school of planting).
Plant our biodegradable pot and plant, making sure to place the top of the pot a little below the soil line, to cover the entire pot with soil.

Light: Hosta are known for being shade garden heroes. Options also include varieties that grow well in sun. Refer to plant tags for light needs by variety.

Soil: Well-drained, rich soil. Hosta plants don’t like standing water. Drainage is especially important for successful overwintering.

Fertilizer: Add compost or other organic matter when planting, which enriches soil and improves water retention. An initial feeding at planting time is sufficient.

Water: Water deeply after planting and remove any air pockets around roots. Thereafter, water when you see wilting and/or if soil feels dry. Infrequent deep watering will promote a self sufficient garden, and healthier plants!

Pruning: Hosta should be cut back in fall for livelier spring blooms. Unwanted or damaged leaves can be clipped off at the base anytime. Hosta plants die back in winter, and return with gusto in spring.

Dividing: When you divide plants, you multiply joy! Hosta are easily dug up and divided. Move some to other areas, and if there are extra plants, share with friends. Here you’ll find tips on dividing plants.

Winterizing: Use a thin layer of mulch for winter protection only in very cold climates, and remove this covering before spring thaw.

A Sampling of Hosta Varieties

Whether you want to add plants to a shady area or sunny location, there is a Hosta variety for you! What’s more, for those with limited space or poor soil, many Hosta thrive in containers. Following are some of the hottest Hosta to discover and grow.

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears, a miniature variety, is perfect for those with limited space. Mounds of blue leaves make a big splash, coupled with purple blooms mid-summer. Hosta Blue Mouse Ears will thrive in mostly sunny to mostly shady conditions.

Hosta Great Expectations delivers beyond one’s garden dreams! Large green leaves frame petite white flowers mid-summer. Hummingbirds are sure to sip some nectar. As plants mature, leaves provide a kaleidoscopic show, with centers transforming from chartreuse to golden and finally white.

Hosta Shadowland® Hudson Bay, is Proven Winners® 2024 Hosta of the Year. This dynamo is large in size and grand in its visual appeal. Foliage hues include green, creamy white centers and blue margins. Wavy, puckered leaves are a summer sensation.

Hosta Patriot, a Hosta of the Year award winner, s absolutely radiant. Green leaves are framed by bright white margins. Lavender flowers in mid-summer add to the colorful display. This variety withstands very intense heat, a trait only a few other Hosta share.

Garden Superstars

Growing Hosta is one of the best choices for gardens of all sizes and styles. Luxuriant, decorative foliage and dainty flowers fill the garden with wonder and delight. The beauty and vigor of Hosta are unmatched—visit our Hosta page to view all our spectacular choices.