Hosta

Hostas are low maintenance hardy perrenials. They are ground covers and produce beautiful white or purple lily-like flowers. The Hosta needs to be grown in shade. Snails and slugs are very attracted to Hostas.

Anatomy


Hostas usually reach their full maturity in 4-8 years. They can range to grow up to a couple feet in diameter depending on their cultivar. Cultivars are varieties that have been developed for plant form, leaf color, and plant size. Hosta leaves range in solid colors. They are round to lance-shaped. They are usually blue, green, or yellow. The blue leaves are actually green but with a wax covering over them. In the summer the wax will eventually melt off. The leaves are marginally variegated. All Hostas bloom 6 inch long lily-like flowers in the summer. They tend to be quite attractive for the most part. They are usually anywhere from white to lavender.

Reproduction
Hosts are able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. They will sprout shoots in the spring and in the summer the flowers will grow. By fall the foliage dies, ready to regrow the following year.

Ecology
Hostas first came from China, Japan, and Korea. In the 1800's they were introduced to the United States. They are now found in eastern North America, Europe, Japan, and Korea. They are usually shade-tolerant plants but like the early morning sun. Waxy blue-leafed Hostas must have shade and should be planted in rich organic soil. Hostas need lots of water to survive. They will grow in populations which can get to be dozens or thousands of Hostas growing together.

Accent Pots
Many mini Hostas are placed in pots for decoration around the house or outside. Traditionally Hosta plants were displayed in Japanese homes for pleasure and accent. It is important that the pots are big enough for the plant to grow but at the same time they need to be small enough to show off the leaves. There should be no air pockets in the soil, but the soil should not be compressed.