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As a general rule, blue hostas require a bit of light shade, both for preservation of the blue color and for prevention of leaf scorch. A moist soil rich in humus is preferred, and exposure to a bit of cool morning sun will grow the best clumps.
How fast do blue hostas grow?
They grow slowly and may take two to four years to attain their full size, longer for the largest species and cultivars. Allow plenty of room when you plant to accommodate for their mature size. Small varieties spread three times as wide as they are tall.
How do I make hostas blue?
Although direct sunlight should be avoided, blue hostas do their best with some morning sun or a filtered light situation. Another way that the leaf bloom disappears is from rainfall and overhead watering. The constant pattering of water on the leaf breaks down the bloom and turns a blue hosta green.
Do blue hostas prefer sun or shade?
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 do blue hostas grow?
This pretty perennial hosta is easy to grow when you have moist, rich soil that drains well. It prospers in part shade to full shade. The blue green color occurs best in light shade. The plant will tolerate some morning sun.
Will hostas regrow if cut back?
For example, many hosta cultivars have nice fall color. They are often cut back during early fall cleanup. Day lilies tend to look ragged in late summer or early fall, so I try to cut them back at that time, well before a killing frost. They often send up some new growth after being cut back.
Do hostas need a lot of water?
Hostas are drought tolerant, yet like moist well drained soil. If the weather is hotter, increase the watering to three times per week. Large hostas should be watered two times per week and daily during hot weather, especially if it gets more sun. Hostas growing in pots will require more frequent watering.
How do you care for a blue hosta plant?
As a general rule, blue hostas require a bit of light shade, both for preservation of the blue color and for prevention of leaf scorch. A moist soil rich in humus is preferred, and exposure to a bit of cool morning sun will grow the best clumps.
How large do blue hostas get?
Plants grow 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches across. Thick leaves boast strong slug resistance, along with a richly textured surface. The blue color remains strongest when ‘Big Daddy’ hosta is in shady conditions, although the blue fades to green as summer wears on.
Why did my blue hosta turn green?
Most blue-leafed hostas become green at some time during the growing season when their waxy surface is not as reflective as it once was. The wax seems to almost melt off with exposure to hot sun, harsh watering, or some pesticide sprays.
What can I plant with blue hostas?
Astilbe, ferns, geraniums, and shady-friendly bulbs are great companions for hostas. Two of our favorites: bleeding hearts and heuchera. Bleeding heart (dicentra) plants provide delicate flowers and elegant, arching branches — the perfect contrast to bold, shiny, or variegated hosta plants.
Do blue hostas start out green?
Excessive rain in one season can slowly wash off the waxy coating so important to the health and beauty of the hosta leaves. You may notice the hosta leaves turning from blue to green earlier in the season when there’s much more rainfall than usual.
Will hostas grow in pots?
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. But any size hosta can be grown in a container.
Are blue hostas really blue?
Blue hosta varieties aren’t technically blue. The plants’ leaves are covered in a wax-like coating, which makes them appear to have that blueish hue. This is also described as “glaucous,” which is Latin for greyish blue and used to describe plants with those tones or others that are blue-green.
Can hostas be indoor plants?
Hostas are a leafy, shade-loving perennial that will please any client with their lush foliage and delicate flowers. Many characteristics make hostas work for indoor plant arrangements. Hostas also grow well in containers and do not require direct light, making it possible to grow them indoors.
How often should hostas be divided?
You’ll know your hostas need to be divided when they get too crowded and the center of a clump starts to die out. As a general rule, count on dividing the plants every three to four years to keep them at their healthiest. Some slow-growing varieties may need more time before they’re ready for division.
What is eating my hostas at night?
Essentially when bugs are eating hostas, slugs or snails are usually to blame. These nighttime foragers are probably considered the most common of hosta pests, eating small holes in the leaves. Another insect pest that chews hosta leaves is the adult black vine weevil.
Are coffee grounds good for hostas?
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.
Should I cut the flower stems off my hostas?
The American Hosta Society recommends cutting off each scape after three-fourths of the flower buds have opened; this keeps the plants from diverting energy into setting seeds for the next year so instead they’ll grow more roots and leaves.
Should I mist my hosta?
Hosta irrigation is essential, as it will ensure that the plants grow large and remain healthy. These plants require soil that is well draining but maintains consistent moisture levels at all times. This can be achieved through weekly watering using soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems.
Can you overwater a hosta?
Be sure to keep your garden tools clean, keep the area free of debris, and avoid transplanting diseased plants. Be careful not to overwater and don’t limit air circulation by crowding the plants. Water your hosta at the soil level to keep the leaves dry.
How long does it take for hostas to spread?
So, How Fast Do Hostas Grow? I found that, after sprouting, hosta plants will grow at about 1/2 inch per day and reach full growth in about 30 to 35 days.
