Understanding Hosta Changes Throughout the Seasons and Ideal Planting Locations
One of the many fascinating factors about Hosta is that they rarely stay looking the same, from when they emerge in the Spring, right through to when they go into dormancy.
They are bought for their amazing colours and bold leaves, totally dependable on shade performance, but part of their charm is how they change colour throughout the season.
Spring heralds the emergence of one of our favourite perennials, and they continue until Autumn.
Hostas are constantly changing, colours, deepening shades or fading tones.
Many people worry that the colour on their Hosta differ from the issued photos and worry that it’s not what they thought it was. Fear not:-
If you've ever wondered why your plants look different from month to month, or look different depending on where you plant it, more sun or more shade, then read on
In Spring, when Hostas first emerge, they often show their most vibrant and bright colours. This is because they are packed with pigments that are especially obvious with yellows & blues.
Hosta First Frost
As an example, Hosta Autumn Frost produces powder blue leaves with broad bright yellow margins that gradually fade to white margins as the season progresses.
Hosta Gold Standard
Hosta Gold Standard emerges with green with dark green borders, which turn yellow with dark green edges later in the season.
Hosta Touch of Class
Hosta Touch of Class features intense blue leaves in the spring with a narrow yellow streak down the centre. The variegation becomes less bold during the season with darkened shades.
Hosta Teachers Pride
Hosta Teachers Pride leaves emerge with bright white centres bordered by a blue margin, with lighter green streaks. As the season progresses, the leaf centres gradually have green veins, resembling a smaller Hosta Guardian Angel.
Hosta Bedazzled
Hosta Bedazzled on the other hand will keep its variegated colours right through the season with the exception of the amount of sun it gets, it tends to have white edges with less shade.
Hosta Lakeside Beach Bum
Hosta Lakeside Beach Bum is a blue/green Hosta and typically starts with blue-green leaves but by the end of the season has transitioned into more of a blue colour, particularly if in more shade.
Hosta June
Hostas can change colour both through the season and with a change to position.
Very often the degree of sun or shade plays a large part in how the Hosta looks. An example is Hosta June. It will always be a different intensity of colours depending on the light levels. Sometimes the Hosta doesn’t look the same. Just look at how different it looks. It is the same variety in different amounts of shade.
If you are a little uncertain whether the Hosta you have is what it should be because it looks different to the photos you have seen on the internet, don’t worry too much, it’s probably fine.
A little exercise for you! When the new season starts, any Hostas that you are unsure of, take photographs at the beginning, middle and end of the season and compare them.
This could also be the case for Hostas in pots by moving them in or out of more shade and recording the difference.
I think you will find the change in foliage of Hostas fascinating.
Get the camera out, or your mobile phone and get taking photos and get to know how Hostas change without you needing to do anything.
They are amazing plants!
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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