Not Sure, What Hostas are Suitable for Your Garden?
A bit of help for those new to the world of Hostas
There are well over 6,000 registered Hostas worldwide! We always try and keep 100's of different varieties for sale, at any time, to allow you to have as much choice as possible. For those new to Hostas it can be a bit overwhelming, so let’s see if we can narrow that down a little. Now is a good time of year to start planning any new garden projects, and suitable Hostas for the coming year.
The first question is, your garden suitable for growing Hostas? Most gardens are just fine, but not every situation will be the best for Hostas to thrive.
We are sent questions on a regular basis surrounding the subject of suitability. We will try and address these as we proceed.
Growing Conditions
If you want to get the best out of your Hostas, in your garden, we need to match the Hosta to the growing conditions. We are of the belief that out of all the varieties we sell, there is a Hosta for almost every situation.
It all comes down to the levels of sun and shade in your garden.
Let’s start with a garden that is in full sun all day long. A garden with little or no shade. If you have a garden like this, then realistically, should you even be considering shade loving Hostas? The answer is probably, no! Why put a lovely plant in a position where it will not tolerate growing there and will suffer badly, even if you don’t eventually kill it! There are plenty of alternative plants that will thrive in sunshine.
However, most gardens have some shade in them. There is usually an element of sun and shade, at different times of day. Make a note of where the shade is, when and for how long. Place your Hostas with this in mind.
Most Hostas are happy in dappled shade for most of the day. Some are happier in deeper shade, that other Hostas don’t like. At some point during the day, some areas will be in the sun, not shade. This is ok providing it is not the full midday sun. The ideal situation for growing Hostas is shade for most of the day, but they can generally tolerate early morning sun.
Shade can be created if there currently isn’t much. The long-term solution is planting shrubs & trees to create the shade. A temporary solution could be to create shade from a patio umbrella or a more permanent sail.
Once you have sorted the sun/shade issue you may need to consider the space itself. What are you trying to achieve with your choice of Hostas? Do you need Hostas that will survive in the deeper shade, in general, that will suit the blue leaved Hostas, or do you need something that stands out such as a variegated Hosta or even a yellow-leaved one. Do you need to look at smaller Hostas for the front of a border?
Planting
Planting Hostas close to existing trees and shrubs should be taken with care. The soil right next to the tree will be impoverished of moisture and food, because the tree will have taken it. Keep any planting at least 60cm away from the tree.
You may only have a small courtyard to work with, the rules are just the same, but your Hostas will be in pots or containers. Most Hostas thrive in pots and it is a great way to grow them. The great thing about these is they are moveable, so if a Hosta isn’t happy where it is, it is easily moved. Many gardeners keep all their Hosta collection in pots located all around the garden including borders.
Remember that Hostas are herbaceous perennials which means they will die down for the winter months called dormancy. Just leave in the pots or open ground over winter. Don’t worry they will be back up in the Spring. So don't be surprised when this happens.
There are several reasons why people choose a particular variety. It could be purely because of the way it looks, or the name means something, perhaps part of a series such as ‘Star Wars’.
You set your own criteria yourself. Hostas are usually set in several criteria to help. This can be size of the Hosta, the shape, the leaf colour, the flower colour, light requirements or even slug resistance. Of late, the leaf stem or flower stem colour is also important.
Size & Shape
Your choice will depend on the size of the border to be planted. The larger the border the bigger the Hosta and the number, with Large & Giant near the rear, Mediums in the middle and Small ones near the front. Ensure you find the mature size for the variety you like. Details of which are on the website and allow for this when producing your planting plan.
Final sizes and shape should always be considered first, before planting
You may feel that there is not enough yellow, or maybe Red stems. You will make up your own mind.
Recommendation is often a great way of choosing. Maybe a friend had a Hosta that they particularly like, or you ask the Hosta expert for a recommendation. Try looking for Award Winning Hosta varieties, if they have won an award we will say so in the plant description on our website.
There is a great preference from some for Large & Giant Hostas. They are a great attraction because of their size. Some prefer Small & Miniature varieties. These are in their own category on our website.
Remember It is worthwhile finding the mature size to make sure it works where you want to plant it.
Leaf colour is a really good way to pick what you might want. With a variety of leaf colours nowadays from the original green leaf, through to blue, yellow, variegated or blushed red.
There are those that love Hostas with ruffled edges or leaves with corrugation.
So! If you think Hostas are for your garden, then look a little further…
Each & every Hosta on our website has a general description, as well a size at maturity, leaf colour, stem colour, flowering time and if scented, sun tolerance, slug resistance and any awards.
Pen & paper is always handy to make a note or two. Do it in pencil, then you can rub it out, if it’s wrong. Make a long list and shorten it. Put a price alongside each one so you don’t spend too much.
Key Points
Blue Hostas: Generally prefer to be in more shade, to help them keep their blue colour. Morning sun is fine but no midday sun or afternoon sun.
Variegated and Green Hostas: Are much happier with a little shade and a bit more sun. From early morning, but avoiding midday sun.
Most Yellow leaved Hostas: are generally not sun tolerant but some are, so check description to be sure.
Small Hostas: should be planted in well-drained soil and be planted towards the front of a border or in pots.
Miniature Hostas: It is recommended they should be grown in pots. They just can’t cope with the competition from the larger plants if planted in borders.
There is always the option of talking to me to get any further advice you may need. Always happy to help just email me at rewelacottage@gmail.com
For further information on care and Maintenance of your Hostas, why not take a look at our You Tube Channel?
Now you are ready ...... time to dive into our website.
At Rewela Hostas, we are delighted to provide a diverse selection of Hostas suitable for collectors, experienced growers, and beginners alike. As a small family-run Hosta business we are more than happy to share our expert advice on everything related to Hostas. Shop now on our on-line shop for a wide range of Hostas, from new varieties to classics.
Or why not come and see us? We open the nursery by appointment, just ring 07539 428892 to book, we would love to see you.
Shop for Hostas online HERE
John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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