Hosta

Hostas are a popular ornamental herbaceous perennial in the United States and are in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). They are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Far East Russia, and comprise 22 species and over 2000 cultivars. They were brought to the United States in the mid-1800s. They have a variety of leaf colors, sizes, shapes, and textures as well as flower colors. The blooms are trumpet or bell-shaped, and their colors range from shades of white, lavender and purple. Some hybrids may have flowers in shades of red, yellow and pink. The plant has a clumping habit and size varies from dwarf to giant depending on the variety. The genus name honors Nicholaus Thomas Host, a 19th-century Austrian physician and botanist.  

Hostas perform well in morning sun and dappled shade and in moist, slightly acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. It has been reported that blue-leaved forms require deep shade, while green-leaved types will accept partial shade. In the south it is best to plant hosta in full shade or dappled shade so that the foliage colors will be more vibrant and won't develop leaf burn. Hostas grow by rhizomes and need well-drained soil. They are intolerant to soggy soil conditions, especially during the winter.

Hostas require a dormant period with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of months during the winter. The foliage dies back in late fall or winter when the temperatures drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

For propagation, divide the hostas every 3 to 5 years in the early spring as leaves emerge from the ground. A faster method of propagation is tissue culture. Hostas may also be grown from seed; however, most varieties will not produce the same variety as the parent.   

There are 5 major leaf color categories per the American Hosta Society. They are: green, blue, gold, Medio-variegated (dark margins with a light center), and Marginal Variegated (light margins with a dark center).

The American Hosta Society also classifies the varieties of this plant according to the heights of the mature plants:

• Dwarf:  less than 4 inches     
• Miniature:  4 to 6 inches     
• Small:  6 to 10 inches
• Medium:  10 to 18 inches
• Large:  18 to 28 inches
• Giant:  greater than 28 inches

The most well-known species are Hosta plantaginea and Hosta sieboldiana. Hosta plantaginea originated in China and is very fragrant and tolerates heat. Hosta sieboldiana is from Japan and has waxy blue foliage and prefers shade and cooler temperatures.

Most species of hosta are grown for their large, striking foliage rather than their flowers. Plant them in mass in perennial beds or naturalized areas, as a border or edging, or in pond, rock, or shade gardens. Consider the dwarf and miniature plants for a rock garden or small areas. The small and medium size hosta are recommended as groundcovers. The large and giant plants provide background interest. They are slightly salt tolerant, and they are best planted in areas that are protected from wind and hail.

Seasons of Interest:  

Bloom: Summer                     Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• Acaulescent herb with parallel-veined leaves
• Petioles sheathing, sulcate, sub peltate
• Inflorescence scapose raceme, leafy-bracteate
• Corollas tubular abruptly bell-shaped apically

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for snails, slugs, and nematodes among the leaves. Deer and rabbits enjoy the tender foliage. Leaf spot rarely occurs. Root and crown rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Plants may become infected with the Hosta Virus X, tobacco rattle virus, or tomato ringspot virus. If any of these are detected, the plant should be removed and destroyed. Hosta anthracnose will cause white spots with brown edges to form on the leaves and stalks and can be controlled by removing the leaves. Voles may destroy the plant by eating the roots. Wind and hail may damage exposed leaves. All parts of these plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Additional Hosta Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden including Hosta Blue Mouse Ears Sports

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.