If you are looking for a shade perennial flower to fill out your garden, planting hostas is a perfect solution. Coming in variety of shapes, sizes and colors, these plants are very low maintenance and widely available.
Different varieties of hostas can grow from just a few inches in diameter to eight feet wide, reaching maturity in 4 to 8 years. Though hostas are shade resistant, they do not thrive in complete shade; they typically do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Generally, blue-leaf hostas require more shade, while gold, yellow and white leaf varieties can tolerate more sun.
Hostas grow best in organic, well-drained soil. It is also recommended that the soil is slightly acidic and enriched with nutrients and organic matter. Before planting, cultivate 12 to 16 inches and apply and till in 6 inches of organic matter into the bed. The planting hole should be dug at least 1 foot deep, with the width of the hole one and a half times the expecting mature size of the clump, as hosta roots spread horizontally. For more information on expected size, consult with the nursery where you purchase the plant.
An inch of water is recommended weekly per plant. If the hostas are grown in sandy soil, they will require more water, as drainage will be faster. Watering hostas regularly early in the day is recommended and deep watering is needed to ensure good root development.
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