What is the most shade tolerant hosta?
Level of Shade Here’s a breakdown of which hostas thrive in each type of shade: Blue-green leaf varieties of hostas do best in deep shade. Variegated leaf varieties are versatile and do well in deep shade, part shade, or bright shade. Bright green and chartreuse varieties thrive in part shade to bright shade. Typically, hostas are planted in the early spring or late summer/early fall, depending on your location and climate. Early spring planting lets them establish roots before the heat of the summer, and fall planting gives them time to settle in before winter.When & Where to Plant Hostas. Light: While Hostas are known as shade lovers, the best light conditions for growth is dappled light for much of the day. Yellow and gold varieties actually benefit from 2 to 3 hours of morning sun for the best color.Hosta Division In The Fall In the northern climates this is going to be the month of September and, as you go south, that window for dividing hostas moves later into October. Cool moist weather is what you want.You can plant hostas all year round, but spring and autumn are preferable. It’s best to avoid planting in mid-summer, when temperatures are high and the water table is low, as this can prevent the plant from establishing well. Mid-winter is also a bad time to plant hostas, as the ground is cold and often frozen.
What not to plant next to hostas?
While shade is important for your hostas, do not plant your hostas under trees whose roots will compete directly with the roots of your hostas. For instance, beeches (Fagus), birches (Betula), cherries (Prunus), large maples (Acer), poplars (Populus), and willows (Salix) should be avoided. Unlike many perennials, hostas should be cut back in the fall because experts consistently find that fall cleanups help control the diseases and pests that commonly attack this perennial. If left standing, decaying leaves can attract rodents, like voles, by providing a cozy winter home.Here are a few summer garden tasks you should consider to grow beautiful, productive hostas. One of the best things you can do for your hostas is to keep the soil consistently moist. Adequate watering allows hostas to photosynthesize more efficiently and store plenty of energy to make it through the winter.Cut back hostas in late fall when the leaves are brown to prevent diseases and pests. Use garden pruners to cut the foliage to about two centimeters above the ground. Avoid overpruning as hostas need some foliage to photosynthesize.
Can you grow hostas in the shade?
Hostas are fully hardy and tough. You can grow Hosta in semi- shade, and shade, in moist soil and even damp soil. Hosta are useful for planting in a sunless north facing border. Hostas thrive in compost rich soil. If you have healthy soil, that is more important than fertilizer. Using a product, like Miracle Grow, can quickly feed your hosta and make it look good for a short time.Hostas crave a steady nutrient supply throughout the growing season. A month after planting, feed them with Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food, making sure to follow the directions on the label. This will keep your hostas fed for up to three months.Hostas don’t like wet feet and will not tolerate standing water. Newly planted hostas will need bi-weekly watering for the first month after planting. Once established, small or medium plants will need a good soak about once a week. Hostas are drought tolerant yet like moist, well-drained soil.Add a layer of compost to the bed to help the plants grow. Hosta plants do not tolerate drought well, so it is important to make sure the soil drains well to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water. To improve drainage, you can add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil.Hostas don’t like wet feet and will not tolerate standing water. Newly planted hostas will need bi-weekly watering for the first month after planting. Once established, small or medium plants will need a good soak about once a week. Hostas are drought tolerant yet like moist, well-drained soil.
What month should you plant hostas?
How to Plant Hostas. The best time of year to plant hostas is in early spring or early fall (as soon as summer heat breaks), and before the rainy season if your area has one. Hosta varieties come in different sizes. Autumn Care Tips For Hostas Late in the season, remove spent leaves and cut any new foliage back to the crown. Keep plants free of fallen leaves and debris until the first frost. After or close to the first frost, cover plants completely with a layer of straw or pine needles.
What fertilizer is best for hostas?
If you add the proper amounts of organic matter previously described, your hosta will not require a lot of fertilizer. An organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or processed chicken manure is ideal. Follow the label instructions and all the nutrients will be retained in the soil by the organic matter. Summer Fertilizing – How To Fertilize Hostas Something in an N-P-K range of 5-5-5 to 10-10-10 is ideal. Product Affiliate Link: GARDENWISE 10-10-10 Plus All-Purpose Liquid Fertilizer. If you want to go entirely organic, compost tea is another great solution.