Vivai delle Commande

Growing Hostas

Hostas grow very  easily and quickly; they reach full maturity in just a few years. They are not particularly subject to pests and they live well even in the coldest climates.

Despite not being evergreen, hostas are remarkably versatile and they can be used as ground cover, as specimens or borders. They are also very suitable for pots, to the extent that in Japan they are commonly used as indoor plants. They have elegant flowers borne the floral scapes at various heights. The flowers often have a delicious scent and the colors include all shades from pure white to purple and dark blue.

Hostas are typical perennial plants, whose leaves disappear during the cold season; they survive thanks to their rhizomatous roots that store nutrients and buds for the development of the plant during the growing season.

Hostas definitely love shade even though some varieties endure full sun well enough; as a general rule, the blue or dark-leafed varieties prefer shady areas, whereas the yellow or light green varieties prefer sunny areas.
 
The ideal soil for hostas is rich in organic matter and it as a pH ranging from sub-acid to basic. The soil should also be well drained and at the same time able to retain moisture. Watering is very important during the hot summer months. Hostas greatly benefit from having their ground covered with organic matter that can be periodically renewed during the years.


Planting

As far as spacing between plants, we suggest you refer to the description for each variety, taking into account their usage as well (bordering, ground cover and so on).
Large size hosta should be planted 60-80 cm apart from each other
Large size hosta should be planted 40-60 cm apart from each other
Potted hostas can be transplanted during all the vegetative season, even though the best times are spring and fall. When hostas are grown in a pot, they have to be watered and fertilized more often

Before planting hostas, carefully prepare the ground by tilling it and if necessary adding organic fertilizer.

Dig a hole of the same size as the pot, remove the container without breaking the root ball, put the root ball into the ground keeping the plant at the same depth as it was in the pot. Water right after planting
There are no diseases or pests that are particularly harmful for hostas; the only serious dangers are snails and slugs that love their leaves. To eliminate or limit the problem, spread sing bait around the plant