HOSTA FOR SHADE & SUN

Hosta plants are generally selected based on the colors of their leaves. Obviously, you choose the foliage color that you like best but the color of the leaves can also tell you where the hosta should be planted. For example, hosta plants that have gold, yellow or white leaves will tolerate more all-day sun than those with leaves of green or blue. In any case, too much exposure to the sun, especially afternoon sun, can change the color of your hostas leaves by making them fade or show signs of marginal burning. No hosta plant likes deep, dark shade but many are shade-tolerant. In other words, the best scenario is morning sun and afternoon shade for all varieties.

When preparing the soil for planting your hosta plants, it is a good idea to incorporate some composted material such as manure as well as Canadian peat moss. The ideal pH for hosta is 6.5 to 7.5. Plant your hosta into the ground at the same depth that it is currently growing in the pot. Use any Garden Fertilizer granules and do not be so concerned about the “numbers” as so many articles try to pinpoint numbers that you simply cannot find. If it says Garden Fertilizer, then use it. Applications should be made three times a year; early April, late May and the final time, mid July. Watering may be necessary, especially during times of drought. Always water in the morning, about once a week.

The time for dividing your hosta plants is when, after several years, your plants start looking bad, i.e. they have a hole in the center where no growth occurs. The easiest time to divide hosta is in the spring before the leaves shoot up and open. Simply dig up the entire root clump and wash it off with water to make the dividing easier to see. Cut with a sharp knife, into smaller clumps, but do not try to divide down into individual plants. Although spring is the easiest month for division, August is the preferred month as this is the best time for getting your hostas re-established in the ground by giving them ample time to develop a good root system for next spring. You may need to cut back some of the largest leaves during this procedure as they will zap strength from the plants during this warm time of the year. Watch the watering very close.

Slugs are among the biggest pests for hostas. They are nocturnal and will eat small, round holes in the leaves during the evening hours. Look for signs of slugs by watching afor silvery slime trails. There are slug baits and pellets that contain metaldehyde however the use of beer in a saucer seems to have an effect on killing the creatures. Simply place a saucer of beer out at night and the slugs will crawl in and drown. Another method of trapping slugs is to place damp newspaper on the ground overnight then check in the morning underneath where they are hiding from the sun and the heat.

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Deer can eat all of your hosta plants in just one evening. I heard (from residence of Brown County) that deer hate twine. Place small pieces around or like me, string it up everywhere…it is cheap.