Hostas

Hostas are a favorite plant for shady areas around your landscape. We carry many varieties here at the nursery. Selection varies frequently.

Sometimes called plantain lily, they are probably the most commonly used plant for shady areas. There are hundreds of different varieties and hybrids available to the homeowner. There are dozens of hybrids introduced each year.

They are originally from Japan and there are only a few real original varieties. Through years of cross-breeding these originals with different seedlings, we get all the different hostas.

Different sizes

They come in different sizes, from giant to miniature. Most of the popular ones fall somewhere in the middle. Hostas are usually separated by mini, small, medium, medium-large, large and giant.

Some people think that hostas are hostas. They are just green, leafy plants in the shade. But in reality, Hostas can grow in a spreading, low mound, an upright cluster, or a tall mound of large leaves.

Leaf shape is another area that varies. Most are almost heart-shaped, and some are long and narrow. Others are almost round in shape.

Colors like no others

Color is what separates Hostas from any other plant. They come in just about any shade of green to yellow, and also in combinations or variegations of the colors.

There are a few Hostas that don’t mind being in the sun but most will not do well if they are not in at least partial shade. Most prefer to be in the shade all day, except maybe a little morning sun.

Generally, the lighter the leaves, the less sun they can handle. Sunshine will burn the leaves and detract from their beautiful color. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.

Hostas like to be grown in moist areas and if they are given enough moisture, they can handle a little more sun.

And they flower too

With all the beautiful foliage that Hostas have, they also put up flower stalks in summer that can attract a passing hummingbird. Most Hostas have light purple flowers that can be up to 2″ long.

Some Hostas have white flowers that are usually more scented and some of them can be up to 4″ long, or longer. Depending on the variety, flowers can be rather insignificant, but on others, they are a real bonus.

We grow over 100 different named varieties of Hosta in our yard. Most are not full-grown yet since they can take several years to mature.

Others, like the minis, just get fuller each year. About 12 or more are available for sale unless they get bought up. There are limited quantities available.

Take a look at some of the yard pictures to see some of our Hostas.

Some of the Hostas we may have available here are:

Blue Angel

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’
18″ to 24″ high and 36″ to 44″ wide.
Shade/minimum sun
Large blue-green leaves with stalks of light purple flowers.

Elegans

Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’
24″ to 36″ high and 36″ to 48″ wide.
Shade/minimum sun
Large coarse green leaves with very light purple flowers.

Halcyon

Hosta x ‘Halcyon’
18″ to 24″ high and 30″ to 36″ wide.
Shade/minimum sun
Gray-green leaves early in year. Very popular variety, lavender flowers.

Guacamole

Hosta ‘Guacamole’
12″ to 24″ high and 36″ to 48″ wide.
Shade/minimum sun
Large, shiny guacamole colored leaves. Very fragrant, almost white flowers.

Wide Brim

Hosta ‘Wide Brim’
14″ to 16″ high and 20″ to 24″ wide.
Shade/minimum sun
Yellow edged green leaves. One of the more popular hostas. Pale lavender flowers.