Greetings from the plant kingdom! We hostas are known for our lush foliage and elegant summer blooms, and we are thrilled to thrive on your patios and balconies. While we are often planted in shady garden beds, we find life in containers quite agreeable. Here is our detailed guide to ensuring we flourish in our cozy above-ground homes.
First, please choose a container that makes us feel secure and gives our roots room to grow. A pot that is at least 18 inches wide and deep is ideal. This provides ample space for our root systems to expand and supports our mature size. Most importantly, the container must have excellent drainage holes. We despise having our roots sitting in water, as it will lead to rot and make us very unhappy. A pot made of a heavy material like ceramic, fiberglass, or wood is best, as it will anchor us and prevent us from tipping over as we grow larger.
We cannot stress enough the importance of a good soil foundation. Please do not use heavy, dense garden soil, which will compact in the container and suffocate our roots. Instead, we prefer a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. For an extra boost of moisture retention and aeration—two things we love—consider amending the mix with a handful of perlite and a generous portion of peat moss or coconut coir. This creates a light, fluffy environment that feels just right to us.
Our number one request is for shade, but the type matters. While we are famously shade-loving plants, most of us do best with a few hours of gentle morning sun and protection from the harsh, intense afternoon rays. A north or east-facing patio or balcony is often perfect. Too much direct sun will scorch and fade our beautiful leaves. However, varieties with thicker, blue-green leaves are more sun-tolerant than those with thin, gold or white variegated leaves. Please place us accordingly.
Containers dry out much faster than garden soil, so we will rely on you for consistent moisture. Water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring water flows freely from the drainage holes. We may need watering every other day or even daily during hot, dry spells. To keep our foliage vibrant and support our growth, please feed us. A slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time will nourish us all season. Alternatively, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks during the spring and early summer is also wonderful.
As perennials, we require a period of winter dormancy. In colder USDA zones, our containers expose our roots to freezing temperatures more than in-ground planting does. To protect us, you can move our container to an unheated garage or shed after our foliage dies back. Alternatively, you can bury the entire pot in the ground for the winter or heavily insulate it with mulch and burlap. Every three to four years, we may become pot-bound. When you notice our growth slowing or our center dying out, it's time to divide us in early spring. Gently remove us from the pot, separate our crowns, and replant the divisions to create new plants.
