Hosta

Hosta spp. · Flower

Quick answer: Water: About 1 in per week. Light: Part to full shade; 2–6 hours of direct sun at most. Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic. Pets: All parts are toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep pets from chewing the leaves, and call your vet if in doubt.

A shade perennial grown mostly for its leaves, which come in blue, green, gold and variegated forms. It dies back each winter and returns from the same clump every spring, getting fuller with age. Slugs and deer are its main enemies.

💧WaterAbout 1 in per week

☀️LightPart to full shade

🐾PetsToxic to cats & dogs

Care at a glance

Light: Part to full shade; 2–6 hours of direct sun at most
Water: About 1 in per week, deep and infrequent
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3–9
Spacing: 6 in–3 ft apart, matching the variety's mature width
Container: At least 3 gallons for a medium variety (estimated)
Bloom/Growth: Flower spikes in summer; leaves from spring to fall
Lifespan: Perennial; clumps last for decades (estimated)

When?

Spring is the best time to plant or divide, just as the shoot tips push through the soil. Potted plants can still go in during summer, but they need extra water until they settle in.

Step by step

Pick a spot with shade for most of the day; gold-leaved types like 2–3 hours of morning sun, blue ones want more shade.
Work compost into the bed so the soil holds moisture but still drains.
Set the crown level with the soil surface, with the growing tips just visible.
Spread 2–4 in of mulch once the soil warms, keeping it off the crown.
Give about 1 in of water a week in one deep soaking rather than light sprinkles.
Feed only if a soil test shows a need, in early spring and before flowering; follow the label and stop after July.
Divide crowded clumps in spring when the tips appear; division is optional, not required.
Cut the leaves down after the first hard frost and clear them away to reduce slug hiding places.

Common problems

Ragged holes in the leavesSlugs or snails; check at night, remove them and clear debris around the clump.

Pale, scorched leaf edgesToo much sun; move it to shade or give afternoon shade.

Leaves and stems eaten downDeer or rabbits; use fencing or plant it closer to the house.

Crown turns soft and rotsSoggy soil, especially in winter; improve drainage.

Pets

All parts are toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep pets from chewing the leaves, and call your vet if in doubt.

Similar plants

Fittonia Boston fern Hydrangea

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.