“I have one spot in my garden that feels so empty but it gets way too much shade so I’m scared anything I plant there will die!” You aren’t alone, we hear this a lot. Luckily for you, we have a wonderful little plant that can add a splash of color to those shady areas in your yard. Let us introduce you to the Hosta, or ‘Plantain Lily’.
There are 22 different species and thousands of different cultivars of hostas in the world! Reclassification of Hostas makes their taxonomy really difficult. Hostas have spent time in the Asparagus Family – Asparagaceae, Lily Family – Liliaceae, and Agave Family – Agavaceae. They were even grouped into their own family for a while – the Hosta Family – Hostaceae. However, taxonomists have collectively decided the Asparagus Family is where hostas belong for now… But that can change at any time because research is ongoing and taxonomy is ever-changing.
Hostas are native to Japan (where they are known as gibōshi), Korea and China. They were first imported and grown in Europe in the 1700s, then were imported to the United States in the 1800s.
These are an herbaceous perennial meaning they die back in the winter and re-sprout in the spring. They come in a range of colors and sizes. Hostas can be as little as 6 inches tall and wide to upwards of 3-4 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide. Hostas can be blue, green, yellow, or variegated. The blue color of the leaves is caused by a waxy coating. Hosta ‘Hadspen Blue’ is a beautiful example of a hosta with blue leaves! This waxy coating can be quite fragile so it’s best to protect your blue hostas from excessive sunlight and heavy watering and rain.
These gorgeous plants have white, lavender or purple bell-like blossoms in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The blooms can last upwards of 3 weeks! Although most hosta collectors focus on foliage rather than flowers, there are hybridizers who are actively trying to create hostas with pink, yellow and red flowers.
Hostas are hardy from Zones 3-9 but approach with caution and research as some cultivars are hardier than others. Most hostas can get as little as 3 hours of sun a day, or be planted in bright shade and will still thrive! Too much sun can cause sun-scald and bleaching. Too little sun will make the plant grow a little slower. Hostas appreciate the cold and often require temperatures to dip below 40F for at least a month or two to ensure proper dormancy, allowing the plant to thrive in the spring.
Hostas make great bordering plants along walkways and around garden beds. They thrive in shade so they work great to fill in dark and shady area of the garden. These plants are also a favorite for container gardening! Deer, voles and slugs all love to eat these plants so it’s best to check them often for damage caused by pests and protect them as needed. Hostas don’t require much for care, cutting off spent blooms and dead leaves will help keep your hostas looking gorgeous!
Did you know…
Hostas were nicknamed the ‘Friendship Plant’ because they are super easy to divide, propagate and share with your plant-loving friends (including your beginner gardening friends)!
Hostas We Have Available!
- Hosta ‘Hadspen Blue’ – Stunning Blue Foliage w/ Pale Lavender Flowers
- Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ – Beautiful Variegated Foliage w/ Pale Lavender Flowers
Citations
Barrett, Rosemary, and Derek Hughes. Hostas. Firefly Books, 2011, Google Books, https://books.google.com/books/hl=en&lr=&id=ZfHpQEACbJEC&oi=fnd&pg=PA9&dq=hosta+facts&ots=275g6I6xyM&sig=erqn2i8W7c3_xST-a3fSDsu184U#v=onepage&q&f=false, Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
Bender, Steve. “How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Hostas.” Southern Living, Southern Living, 10 May 2024, www.southernliving.com/garden/shade/how-to-care-for-hostas.
Harrison, Marie. “Hosta an Asparagaceae? Are You Kidding?” Dave’s Garden, 7 Jan. 2014, davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/4616.
Hayes, Rhonda Fleming, et al. Hostas, University of Minnesota, extension.umn.edu/flowers/growing-hostas-minnesota. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
“Interesting Hosta Facts.” American Hosta Society - Official Home of the American Hosta Society, American Hosta Society, 16 Nov. 2023, americanhostasociety.org/blog/hosta-facts/.
“Interesting Hosta Facts.” Sienna Hosta, www.siennahosta.co.uk/blogs/news/interesting-hosta-facts?srsltid=AfmBOorXvggw6qKr6_AQTgpM6jLellz08_lL5t-10_9DTtcyFmY90IV4. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
Karam, Kate. “Top 5 Things Every Hosta Lover Should Know.” Monrovia, Monrovia, 12 Mar. 2019, www.monrovia.com/be-inspired/5-things-every-hosta-lover-should-know.html.