Also called plantain lilies, hostas come in a range of foliage shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. There is a hosta perfect for every garden, whether an adorable miniature for a trough garden or a mammoth plant to fill ample space under a shade tree. Hosta care is simple because they’re among the easiest plants to grow. Hosta was once a plain green leafy plant, but it has evolved and now comes in a rich palette of colors. With well over 3,000 different hostas, you’ll find at least a few varieties that appeal to you. You’ll want to consider how big the hosta plant grows before making your choice.
You can’t go wrong with hostas in shady areas, whether they are adorable miniature varieties or mammoth plants that fill the space under a shade tree. They act as a dynamic filler in shade gardens, and some hostas also have showy, fragrant flowers, adding to their appeal to people and pollinators, like bumblebees.
Most hosta plants’ love for shady sites outdoors makes them good candidates as houseplants. However, low light doesn’t mean no light, so be aware of the light requirements of your preferred hosta before adding it to your houseplant collection. In most cases, indirect light is sufficient. Hostas are among the few houseplants that thrive in a north-facing window.
There are many types of hostas. They are a beautiful perennial that’s also durable, easy-care, and shade-tolerant. They also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators with their beautiful, sometimes fragrant flowers. They make great additions to garden beds and can also be grown in containers.
Depending on the variety, your hosta may not need repotting for several years. Watch for roots emerging from the drainage hole—a sure sign it is time to repot. When repotting, use fresh potting mix and a new container no more than 3 inches wider than the plant.
Because these plants are such quick growers, they can easily be divided and shared with friends. You’ll know your hostas need to be divided when they are crowded and the center of a clump starts to die out.
As a general rule of hosta care, count on dividing the plants every three to four years to keep them at their healthiest. Some slow-growing varieties may need more time before they’re ready for division. You may be able to divide fast-growing varieties every two or three years.
The best time for dividing hostas is in the spring when the foliage emerges, so you know where to cut. However, because hostas are tough, you can successfully divide them in any season (except winter when the ground is frozen). Give them plenty of water if you divide in the summer heat. Hostas can also be grown from seed.
Mature hostas don’t need to be divided to stay healthy, but it can keep them neat and produce more plants. Their roots store moisture and nutrients, making it easier for the new divisions to take off. Planting hostas with darker foliage in moderate shade helps to keep their deep color. Transplant and divide hostas in early spring, when the leaves surface.
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