Are hostas good container plants?

Often considered a shade garden plant, hostas can thrive in containers as well. The many shades of green and yellow in the leaves as well the leaf variations makes a hosta an excellent addition to a balcony, porch, or patio area.

Will hostas do well in containers?

Hostas are among those perennials that do very well growing in the confines of containers. They come in thousands of cultivars and they are easy to care for, making them the perfect plant for busy or distracted gardeners.

What can I plant in a container with hostas?

Hostas play well with other shade-tolerant plants like Shasta daisies, violas, pansies, heuchera, coleus, impatiens and begonias. Tuck a few daffodil or other bulbs deep into the container for a welcome bright spot in spring.

Are hostas better in pots or ground?

As hostas thrive in a water-retentive soil they're ideal for planting in a bog garden but they should not be treated as an aquatic marginal. For this reason they are often planted by, but never in, a pond. When growing hostas in pots, ensure there are plenty of drainage holes as a waterlogged soil will kill the plant.

How do you over winter hostas in pots?

Once the coldest part of winter has passed, usually by late February or early March, the container can be placed back outside and you can begin to water. Another option for overwintering container hostas is to simply remove the plant from the container and trench in the garden temporarily over the winter months.

Hostas in Pots

Will potted hostas come back every year?

Whether you use potted hostas in a group or for one special raised focal point, they are sure to bring beauty to your garden. And if they're cared for well in the winter, they will continue to bring you their beautiful leaves for many years to come.

Do hostas need deep pots?

Use a pot that is the right size for your plant right now, not the size it will ultimately reach. You want a pot that provides about three inches between the base of the plant and the side of the container. Hostas prefer for their roots to be cool, so don't pick a black or metal container.

How big should hosta pots be?

Large pots (40-45cm in diameter and depth) are easier to keep moist than smaller pots. One 2L-pot plant should fill a 40-45cm diameter pot within two or three years, unless it's a very compact variety.

How often should you water hostas in pots?

Newly planted hostas will need daily watering for the first two weeks. Once established, small or medium plants will need a good soak once a week. Hostas are drought tolerant, yet like moist well drained soil. If the weather is hotter, increase the watering to three times per week.

Do hostas like full sun?

Hosta varieties with extensive white coloration or with thin leaves are likely to burn in full sun. In general, blue-leaf hostas require shade, while those with fragrant flowers, gold or yellow foliage or slight white variegation can tolerate more sun.

Where is the best place to put hostas?

Where should I plant? All hostas give their best in moist soil in partial shade, whether in the ground or a container. In general, though, yellow-leaved cultivars prefer some sun, along with a few hosta that are tolerant of sunny conditions.

Do hostas multiply?

Growing and Dividing Hostas

Hostas can be divided every three to five years in the early spring, when their green shoots are just beginning to emerge. Each year more shoots come up, and if not divided, the shoots in the center die out and the newer, outer shoots keep growing.

Do hostas like shade or sun?

It's for good reason—hostas absolutely love shade. Indeed, they languish in the hot afternoon sun so your shady landscape will provide them just the right conditions.

Should I cut down my hostas for the winter?

But when should hostas be cut back? Hostas should be cut back in late fall. Healthy hosta leaves can be left on the plant in early fall to capture much-needed energy, but all leaves should be trimmed off after the first frost to deter slugs and other pests from making your hosta their winter home.

What is the prettiest hosta?

What do Overwatered hostas look like?

The foliage turns yellow and scorches at the margins. When you see hosta plant leaves turning yellow because of too much sun, it is termed hosta scorch. Hosta scorch is even more pronounced if the plant is also grown in poor soil. The plant prefers soil rich in organic matter that will hold water.

How do you stop slugs eating hostas in pots?

A There are a few ways to stop slugs eating your hostas. You can surround them with a ring of crushed eggshells, which are too sharp for the slugs to crawl over. You can bury beer traps too. Fill some small containers with beer and bury them in the soil, so they are level with the surface.

Do hostas like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds can be used to mulch plants that slugs love to feast on, such as hostas, ligularias and lilies. Try them for daffodils and other spring bulbs as well.

How long do hostas live?

Hostas require little care and will live to be 30 or more years if properly cared for. While most known for thriving in the shade garden, the reality is more nuanced. The ideal situation is dappled shade.

How many hostas can you plant together?

Plant each small hosta approximately 28 inches (70 cm) apart. Plant each medium hosta approximately 40 inches (1 m) apart. Plant each large hosta approximately 60 inches (150 cm) apart. Plant each Giant hosta approximately 80 inches (2 m) apart.

Can hostas survive winter in a planter?

Hostas are easy to overwinter in containers. Herbaceous perennials in pots — plants that die back and are dormant in winter — that have been part of your summer container displays need to be protected over the winter if they're going to survive and bloom again next year.

Which perennials grow best in pots?

Can I leave perennials in pots over winter?

If you don't have an appropriate indoor space, perennials in containers can be dug into the soil. Sink perennials until they are sitting at the same level as the surrounding ground. This will help moderate the soil temperature in the containers, avoiding excessive freezing and thawing.

Do hostas and hydrangeas go together?

With the right planning, hostas (Hosta spp.) and hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) are perfect partners. Both thrive in part shade, while hostas even tolerate the deeper shade cast by the taller shrubs.