Hostas: A Complete Care Guide

Hostas are among the most versatile shade-loving plants, reaching impressive heights of 40 to 100 cm (ca. 15–40 in), with foliage in various shades of green, blue, and even white-speckled varieties. From June through August, the hosta plant adorns itself with stunning pink, soft purple, or white blooms, creating a spectacular display in any garden. While it takes four to five years for them to reach full maturity, proper care and attention will reward you with healthy, luxuriant growth.

However, successfully growing hostas requires the right approach. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything about planting, caring for a hosta, and combining these beautiful plants in your garden, as well as how to protect them from their greatest adversary: slugs.

Understanding the ABC’s of hostas

Originally native to the Far East, hostas flourish naturally in Japan and Korea, with some species originating in China. These plants originate in shady, damp woodlands, which explains their particular growing preferences in British gardens.

The natural life cycle of hostas

A hosta’s natural cycle begins in early spring, when the first shoots emerge from the soil like thick pencil tips. By May and June, an impressive display of fresh foliage unfolds. Then, elegant flower stems develop in June and July, bearing delicate lilac or white blooms.

Since they like it moist and shady, you might be wondering: are hostas evergreen? No. These hardy perennials aren’t evergreen—the above-ground growth dies back in autumn, only to spring back to life when warmer weather returns.

Why plant hostas in your garden

Hostas excel in their versatility. They effectively suppress weeds and create a perfect foundation for mixed borders. Moreover, they are remarkably low-maintenance and long-lasting when planted in suitable locations. Globally, there are between thirty and forty hosta species, which through hybridisation and cultivation have produced an impressive twelve thousand cultivars or varieties, including the popular Hosta ‘Halcyon’.

These plants are particularly well-suited for:

• Shaded borders and woodland gardens, where they blend harmoniously with ferns
• Mixed borders, providing structure alongside plants such as peonies and delphiniums
• Container growing, which offers additional protection against slugs

Successfully planting hostas

For a successful start with your hosta plant, soil preparation is essential. They thrive best in humus-rich, moist soil with good drainage.

Preparing the soil

The ideal pH value for a hosta lies between 6 and 6.5. Before planting, it’s crucial to work the soil to approximately 20 cm (ca. 8 in) deep. Then, incorporate plenty of compost into the earth – this improves soil and ensures better moisture retention. Adding organic fertiliser is particularly vital for clay or sandy soils.

The Correct planting technique

Planting distance varies by variety and is crucial for healthy growth when caring for hostas:

• Compact varieties: 20–30 cm (ca. 8–12 in) spacing
• Medium-sized species: 50–60 cm (ca. 20–24 in) apart
• Large hostas: minimum of 1 m² per plant

Dig a planting hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the plant carefully in the ground, ensuring only the roots are covered with soil. The crown should remain above ground level. For container gardening, high-quality pottery is recommended. The pot size should match the root ball size. If your hosta is getting too big for its pot, have a look at our article on repotting for a how-to guide. 

Watering after planting

Immediately after planting, your hosta plant needs a generous watering. During the active growing period, from spring to autumn, regular watering is essential. Provide approximately 2.5 litres of water weekly during the growing season. In autumn, this can be reduced to 1.5 litres per week.

Additionally, maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial, particularly during dry spells. When caring for a hosta beneath trees or shrubs, extra watering is necessary as these plants compete for available moisture.

Creative hosta combinations in the garden

The versatility of hostas truly shines in creative garden combinations. With their diverse leaf shapes and colours, they create a perfect canvas for engaging garden compositions.

Shade-loving combinations

In shady corners, hostas form harmonious groupings with other shade-loving plants. Ferns make ideal companions, their delicately cut fronds providing beautiful contrast to the broader hosta leaves. Combined with astilbes and heucheras, their varying textures create a dynamic display.

For added visual interest, try combining different hosta varieties:

• Blue-green types with chartreuse specimens
• Smooth-leaved varieties next to puckered ones
• Variegated foliage among solid-coloured plants

Designing borders with hostas

When designing borders, height plays a crucial role. Additionally, planting in groups creates a stunning visual impact. Hostas particularly excel as ground cover beneath trees or alongside buildings where sunlight is limited.

Contrasts are also important for a successful border. Try combining feathery blooms with round flowers, or weaving plants with umbel-shaped blooms. Furthermore, hosta plants thrive wonderfully in containers on patios and balconies, where they can be paired with trailing plants or ornamental grasses.

Particularly in water features or pond gardens, hostas add an element of tranquillity. They flourish in moist soil, creating a natural transition between water and garden. For maximum impact, plant hostas in clusters to create an impressive mass of greenery while defining pathways or borders.

Caring for a hosta and propagation

Taking care of hostas regularly is very important for their health and longevity. With proper care, these plants can enhance your garden for many years to come.

When and how to prune hostas

After the first frost in autumn, it’s time to prune your hosta. Cut the leaves approximately 2 to 3 cm (ca. 1 in) above ground level using sharp secateurs. Additionally, it’s advisable to remove damaged leaves as soon as you spot them, as they can attract diseases.

When to divide hostas

The ideal time for dividing hostas is early spring or early autumn. For successful propagation, follow these steps:

• Carefully dig up the entire plant using a garden fork
• Wash soil from the roots for better visibility
• Divide the plant into sections using a sharp knife
• Ensure each section has at least two healthy shoots
• Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth

Particularly with large, mature hosta plants, it’s advisable to initially divide them into no more than four to eight sections. These can be further divided the following year if desired.

Encouraging healthy growth

When it’s time to divide your hosta plant, you’ll notice reduced vigour in its growth. For optimal development, it’s important to assess this every three to five years.

Additionally, applying a layer of mulch around the plant helps retain moisture and maintain soil health. This also prevents the roots from drying out. If a plant appears to be struggling, check whether sufficient fertiliser has been applied or if it’s time for division.

FAQ about hostas

Timeless garden joy with hostas

Hostas are versatile, low-maintenance shade plants that will enhance your garden for years to come. With the right location, proper soil conditions, and adequate watering, they develop into robust and healthy specimens. By cleverly combining them with other shade-loving plants, you can create a vibrant garden that captivates throughout every season.

Furthermore, you can enhance your garden’s appeal by pairing hostas with other eye-catching plants. For inspiration on complementary planting options, explore our comprehensive guides on skimmia, hellebores, and frangipani.

Happy gardening!

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!