Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’

Hostas thrive in well-draining, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.5). Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve its texture and fertility. Work the amendments into the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.

If the roots are tightly bound, gently tease them apart to encourage outward growth. Place the plant in the centre of the planting hole, ensuring that it is positioned at the same depth as it was in the container. Backfill with compost and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the hosta plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.  Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot and fungal diseases.

Hostas are a magnet for slugs and often fall victim to them, creating a challenging relationship for gardeners. Slugs are voracious nocturnal feeders (insert hosta vampire reference here!) that can cause significant damage to hostas, particularly by consuming their tender leaves.

Hosta plants are particularly attractive to slugs due to their succulent leaves and the moist, shady environments they often grow in. They can consume significant portions of the foliage, compromising the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and ultimately weakening it.

Gardeners often employ various strategies to control slug populations and protect their hosta plants. These may include physical barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, which create obstacles that slugs are reluctant to cross.