More about hostas

More things we learned about hostas from Richard Jolley: They really do come in all sizes. The small ones, above are really nice in a grouping of plants in a pot. They can add a variety of colors from a dark blue/green to variegated plants in shades of green and white.

Hostas are perfect for potting. I really didn't know that. Most of the hostas I have seen have been in landscapes.

Hostas are perennials and will come back each year with little care but they should be fertilized each spring. A particular fertilizer wasn't recommended but a 10-10-10 was suggested. If they aren't fertilized, they could eventually become smaller and smaller.

Since hostas are also plants that multiply from the roots, spring is a good time to separate hosta clumps that are too thick. Doing this will help the hosta to continue spreading.

A hosta is a plant that grows better in cooler climates. Though it grows well in the south, certain large varieties don't grow as large as they do in northern zones where the weather is milder. This could be a problem if you buy a variety that is supposed to be really large since it might not grow as large here.

If you have a shady area in your lawn, that is a great place to plant hostas. The darker varieties also do better in shady areas. Sun can cause the color of hostas to lighten, so don't be surprised if a hosta seems to change colors or seems to fade in the sun.

Hostas do have tall shoots with small flowers on them. I like them but some people really dislike them and cut them off.

Deer do love hostas and will eat them if the weather is dry. The best way to prevent this is with an electric fence, a barrier of milorganite or a chemical deterrent or a dog that will keep deer away.

I purchased three hostas from Pine Forest Gardens. One a green one called Sum and Substance. I loved it for its light green color and that it will grow up to four feet across. It isn't a tall hosta but I love that it is almost lime green.

Krosse Regal is perfect to plant on the shady side of my house in front of some old shrubs that have bare limbs at the bottom. This blue hosta grows tall and also would make a backdrop of green for a bed of flowers.

Regal Splendor looks very much like the Krosse Regal in size, shape and color but they have white edges and I will add them in front of the hedges, too. I think this will really add to my landscape in an area that is now an eyesore.