Medio Variegata	Aureo Marginata	Albo Marginata

Hostas can be planted as a background plant, used as a groundcover or as a border plant.  They grow best in a rich, well-drained soil with constant moisture and in light to moderately heavy shade.  Dig a hole about 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep.  Make a mound in the middle of the hole from garden compost mixed in with dirt from the hole.  Take the Hosta and remove any broken and/or rotten roots and spread them over the mound, keeping the sprout pointing upward.  Cover with the remaining dirt / garden compost mixture.  Water well for the next week being careful to avoid watering directly on the sprout.  A layer of mulching material should be placed as a ring around the plant.

In caring for the Hosta plants, take care to keep deer and slugs away.  Use deer repellent if they are a problem in your area.  (Touch of Nature carries several types of animal deterrents...click here to view these items.)  Use slug bait to deter slugs and also help reduce the slugs by removing old leaves and weeds around the Hosta.  Fertilize from early Spring until mid Summer with a slow release fertilizer.  Never cover the whole plant with mulching material - keep the crown clear from mulch to prevent rotting.

You can dig up the clump in very early Spring when you can see the new sprouts and divide the clump into smaller wedges.  Plant them back immediately and water well for the next week.  After that, water as needed.

Hostas are also excellent plants for container planting.  You can decorate the entrance or place near the front door.  You can also put the containers on the patio, around the swimming pool or sitting area in the yard.  Smaller varieties are excellent for your rock garden.

As always, all orders over $50.00 receive 10 FREE Gladiolus and, when you sign our guestbook, you will get a 10% discount on your first online order.