Growing Miniature Hostas Using Bonsai Planters

John Plant
Aug 8
2 min read

During the course of this Spring, we were looking for another way of displaying our increasing collection of miniature Hostas. We have them, of course, in small pots and ceramics, displayed ready for inspection, but have run out of new ideas.

Then we saw some bonsai trays advertised and thought these would be just perfect for our miniatures. Miniatures Hostas do not need a great big space to grow, indeed the opposite, so planting them in these bonsai dishes seemed to be perfect.

Once the trays were planted, they would need somewhere to display then. This push together display unit was from the same place as the bonsai dishes so came in just perfect.

The Bonsai dishes were shallow with good drainage, and we could easily fit two on each section of the unit.

Firstly, the compost. This was extremely well drained standard potting compost mixed 50:50 with horticultural grit. This gave the drainage required from the start.

Each variety of Hosta was planted singly in the mix and covered with a layer of grit for protection. The grit stops the compost splashing onto the foliage of the Hostas when watering. It also reduced weed seed germination.

You will note that each tray has a label in it for identification. An absolute necessity.

Planting was done early in the year when the risk of frost was quite high. They were watered and placed on a bench in the polytunnel for a few weeks.

By the end of March, we were able to place them on the display unit, to harden off, with plenty of fleece at hand, just in case.

Here they grew away nicely. Some doing better than other. One or two doing rather more than being a miniature. Most importantly, we have had no fatalities.

You will also notice that we were able to get some mini hanging baskets that were also perfect for miniature Hostas.

Winter maintenance for these will be fairly simple this year. The unit will be emptied and the Hostas place in a cold, but dry, area, like a polytunnel to protect from severe frost in their first year, but more importantly keeping them from the worst of the wet weather. Miniatures hate long wet cold winters until they are established