The care information provided in this section represents the kind of practical advice is available for all the plants in this web site if you subscribe to the monthly customized newsletter Yardener’s Advisor.

Watering Hostas
Established hostas hardly ever need watering, especially if they are growing in good soil and are kept well mulched. Only in serious drought conditions do hostas need some watering attention. If there has been no rainfall for a significant period, check the soil around the plants to see if it is dry. If they are mulched, the soil may still be moist. If not, run drip irrigation or a sprinkler for about 1/2 an hour to soak the soil well. There is some evidence that generous watering in late July through August improves growth the following spring. Hosta foliage tends to droop in the heat of summer, flattening and draping over nearby plants. Thorough mulching and conscientious watering during high heat when rainfall is scarce may minimize this problem by cooling the soil temperature.

Fertilizing Hostas
Hostas growing in good soil with lots of organic material added every year will need no fertilizer. If the soil is not yet great, then you should feed hostas once a year; fall is better than spring. Use a scant handful of all-purpose slow-acting granular fertilizer, and sprinkle it on the soil around each plant clump for the rain to soak in. That is sufficient for the next season or until the soil becomes healthy from mulch decomposing over the years or adding organic material so that it can feed the hostas. For more information see the file for Choosing Fertilizers

Consider Plant Growth Activators
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Mulching
While mulching helps control weeds, conserves soil moisture and keeps dirt from splashing up on the hosta foliage, its most important role is to decompose and feed the soil. Spread a 2 or 3 inch layer of chopped leaves, pine needles, shredded bark, wood chips or other organic material on the soil around each plant. Do not pile it upon plant crowns and stems. If you have a bed of hostas under trees, you really don’t have to clean out the fallen leaves or needles from around the plants. Left to decay, they contribute organic matter to improve the soil. If your hostas are attacked by slugs, remove the mulch, which gives them cover, in problem areas temporarily during the summer months.

In northern regions where the ground freezes in winter, normal alternating freezing and thawing of the soil disturbs plant roots and sometimes causes new or young plants to be heaved right out of the ground. A protective winter mulch of 3 or 4 inches of organic material insulates the soil against fluctuating temperatures. For more information see the file on Using Mulch

Pruning/Grooming
After hostas have bloomed, the faded flowers give way to green seed pods along the flower stalk. It is a good idea to cut off the flower stalks to direct the plant’s energy into its growth rather than seed production. Removing the stalks also improves its appearance. When the foliage has ripened and died back in the fall, clean it up to prevent overwintering pest insects and eggs. Then put down a winter mulch over the area.