Rough Draft 1.0 9/22/2020
Hostas AKA plantain lilies are beautiful shade-tolerant plants that cultivate full foliage and are even seen topped with flowers during a growing season. I tend to admire and enjoy purple and blue flowers in a garden. The wide brim hosta brings tall purple bells during mid summer. During the winter the leaves drop and the plants appear lifeless. During this time, the roots are busy storing energy for the new growth. Hostas are perennials so they will return year after year and the foliage laves are quite unique in their own way as they start to emerge in the spring. During the winter the leaves drop and the plants appear lifeless. During this time, the roots are busy storing energy for the new growth. When spring comes the hosta leaves and blooms will be bigger and larger every year until full grown.
Planting Hostas
The best time to plant hostas is in the Fall. Hostas love the rich. Moist and well-drained soil. If you need to due to poor soil; fertilize your Hosta in spring to mid-summer with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Cease feeding after July to allow the plant to harden for the winter. Between two to three hours of morning sun and shade through the afternoon is enjoyable for a hosta. Tip – blue hostas need more shade to retain their blue color. The yellow and white leaved varieties need more sun to maintain their colors. Both leaves and flowers can be cut from the plant without harming the plant. Yearly when the hosta is finished blooming, remove the dead stalks.
Propagate and Divide
It takes 4-8 years for a hosta to reach full size. Propagate by dividing crowded clumps in the spring when new shoots appear. The best time is in the fall after the leaves die or in August/mid-Sept, or one month before the first frost. This will give the roots sufficient time to establish themselves before winter
When planting bulbs in the fall reach for hosts roots to line, border, or use as a backdrop in your flower or landscape gardens. You will be so pleased seeing their foliage and their blooms year after year.