Favorite Perennials: Hostas

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

16 Apr 2008 12:37 PM

Also see:

• Picking Perennials
• Favorite Perennials: Daylilies
• Favorite Perennials: Lambs' Ear

I admit that when I first saw Hostas growing happily in many a New England yard I did not care at all for them. Oh they looked fine for a while, the wide bushy plants that were pretty and leafy. But then, there was the long flower stalks that emerged from the plants, and there was just something about those stalks that didn't appeal to me. Perhaps it is become they remind me too much of potato eyes, a thing that irrationally fears and repulses me.

Since my first encounter with hostas, I have been able to witness more varieties of hosta plants, and the flower stalks don't bother me as much. Some of the flowers are actually quite pretty. And the wide variety of plants, numbering in the hundreds, makes funding the perfect hosta a great treasure hunt of sorts.

The smallest hosta plant is the three-inch tall Tom Thumb variety, while the Frances Williams grows to an impressive three-feet tall. Solid colors are the norm for hostas, and they display colors from pale chartreuse all to a deep green. A blue-gray colored hosta is a popular choice. There are also many types of color variegations and reverse variegations, made up of narrow or wide in shades of yellow, cream and white against a dark green background.

Hostas generally prefer a good and shady spot, although you can find varieties that enjoy growing in full sun. Hostas have low water needs, which makes them idea for homeowners who wish to conserve water. These plants are hardy in planting zones 3 through 8.

And as for those flower stalks? Many gardeners cut the flowers off of the hosta because they look messy. Cutting the flowers also redirects energy in the plant to grow more leaves and roots, resulting in a more vigorous plant.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Five Clever Landscape and Gardening Tips

Spring Gardening Tips

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger