are hostas shrubs
IMPORTANT: You are using an old browser. You will not be able to checkout using this browser for data security reasons. Please use another browser or upgrade this one to continue. Read more. Giant hosta varieties can hold their own anywhere in a landscape, but look especially lovely planted beneath mature trees, atop retaining walls or as part of a hosta garden that fills a shady area. Pair large hosta varieties with shrubs and small trees to create plant combinations that are to scale. Or achieve the same effect by planting large and medium hostas side by side. Just be sure to space plants properly to avoid having the large one engulf the smaller. Slug-resistant types of hostas make it possible to grow these leafy perennials with less slug and snail damage. The slug-resistant hostas typically offer leaves that are thicker, blue or have a seersucker texture. The names of miniature hostas usually contain clues that the plants are small, such as ‘Baby Booties’ (5 inches tall, 19 inches wide), ‘Bitsy Gold’ (8 inches tall, 21 inches wide) or ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ (8 inches tall, 12 inches wide). Compost helps improve soil nutrition and moisture in a way that hostas love. Most hostas are hardy in Zones 3 to 9, making them a perfect fit for gardens from Maine to Florida and Washington to Texas. Hosta plants don’t tolerate drought, so be sure to provide ample water. Most hostas grow best in part shade, although some hosta varieties can tolerate a little direct sun. Hostas are generally purchased as potted plants which means they can be planted any time during the growing season including summer and fall as long as adequate moisture is provided. Work organic matter (I prefer spaghnum peat) into the soil at the time of planting. Caring for a Hosta. Hostas are relatively carefree plants for your yard. They like well-drained soil and cannot tolerate wet conditions as they are prone to root and stem rots. They, also, like soil that has had organic matter added to it. They do not need much fertilizer, but will flourish with occasional additions of organic material. Count on hosta plants to fill shady spots with leafy textures and colors that pop. Hostas are long-lived perennials with easy-growing personalities. These undemanding plants require minimal upkeep to look their best. For low-maintenance shade garden beauty, it’s tough to beat hostas. Hostas originally come from China, Japan and the islands of South Korea. There are many home remedies and commercial shrub care products available for slug control. A terrific site for more information about Hostas is at Hostafarm.com. They carry 120 varieties of Hostas as well as many other perennial plants for sale. The prominent feature of Hostas is the foliage. The leaves range from a dark green to varying shades of green and blue. Some of the leaves are oval, some are heart-shaped, and others are strap-like. The edges of the leaves can be flat and straight, have a wavy edge, or appear somewhat contorted. Hostas are quite effective among other companion shade perennials and shrubs including astilbe, dicentra (bleeding heart), ferns, tiarella (foam flower), tradescantia (spiderwort) and hydrangea. Shade Loving vs Shade Tolerant. Hosta are shade tolerant and not shade loving as many of us had thought.
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