Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hosta?
Hosta is a genus of perennial plants commonly known as hostas, plantain lilies, and occasionally by the Japanese name Giboshi. Hostas are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants originating from Japan, Korea and China.

Why are hostas so popular?
Hostas are easy to grow, require minimal care, and come in a huge variety of leaf colors, textures, sizes, and shapes. They can be used in the landscape as edging, ground cover, foliar focal points, or in dedicated or mixed perennial beds to highlight the leaf variability of different cultivars.

What kind of garden conditions are best for growing hostas?
Hostas prosper in highly organic moist but well-drained soil under partial shade conditions. The green-leaved varieties with fragrant white flowers tolerate full sun well. Blues are best in more shaded areas. A half day of morning sunshine is tolerated well by most hostas. Afternoon sun is more intense so it is more likely to damage hosta leaves. All appreciate thorough watering during extended periods of drought. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 may be used to encourage growth.

Where can I buy hostas?
Potted plants can be purchased at local garden centers. Specialty on-line sources will provide more collector type varieties with prices that match. A prime place to purchase a wide variety of hostas at great prices is the West Michigan Hosta Society’s May Auction
When is it best to divide a hosta clump?
Hostas, unlike many other perennials, do not require frequent division. They may be left in place for 20 years or more if doing well. But, you may wish to spread a particular cultivar over a larger area or share some with a friend. Whatever the reason, hostas are best divided in the fall or early spring before the foilage is fully mature.

How should a hosta be divided?
First, carefully dig the clump up and knock off or wash off the soil to view the growth eyes, called crowns. Hosta leaves grow out of a short, compact stem called a rhizome. At the base of each leaf is a bud (or eye): one or more of these buds develop and produce the following year’s shoots. A clump can be divided by pulling or cutting apart the rhizome between the shoots. If the clump is old and large, a sharp knife or shovel blade may be necessary to divide it into sections; these sections should be pie-shaped halves, quarters, etc. so adequate roots are included with each division. Replant so the crown depth matches its previous level and water thoroughly.

Do hostas have pests?
Hostas do quite well on their own with minimal care by the garden owner. A few issues are common with deer, slugs, and tree root competition. The internet provides many ideas on how to combat such problems. Or, better yet, come to the West Michigan Hosta Society’s meeting to talk to fellow hosta gardeners about their tried and true remedies.
