Hostas


Hostas are the kings of the shade garden. Grown for their bold, sculptural leaves in blues, golds, greens and endless variegations, they turn a dim, difficult corner into something lush.

4 products

    4 products
    Hosta 'Party Streamers' 19cm / 3L Plants - Outdoor GROW TROPICALS
    Streaked Hosta 'Party Streamers'

    Hosta 'Party Streamers'

    £24.99
    1
    Hosta 'Undulata Aureomarginata' Plants - Outdoor GROW TROPICALS
    Wavy Cream-Edged Hosta

    Hosta 'Undulata Aureomarginata'

    £10.99
    1
    Hosta 'Francee' Plants - Outdoor GROW TROPICALS
    White-Edged Hosta

    Hosta 'Francee'

    £10.99
    1
    Hosta 'Elegans' Plants - Outdoor GROW TROPICALS
    Giant Blue Hosta

    Hosta 'Elegans'

    £10.99
    1

    Growing hostas

    No plant does shade quite like a hosta. They are grown above all for their foliage, which comes in an astonishing range: cool powder-blues, bright golds, deep greens and every kind of variegation, from thin cream margins to bold two-tone splashes. The leaves build into generous mounds that give a shady border structure and substance all season, with tall spikes of lily-like flowers as a summer bonus.

    They could not be easier to please, as long as they have shade and moisture. A spot in partial or full shade with rich, damp soil suits them perfectly, which makes them ideal for a north-facing bed or under trees. The one real enemy is slugs and snails, which love the young leaves, so it pays to protect fresh growth in spring. Grow them in the ground or in pots, where they are easier to defend from slugs.

    All grown for UK gardens and sent out well rooted.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Most are happiest in partial or full shade with moist soil, which is why they are the classic choice for a north-facing bed or under trees. Some of the gold-leaved kinds take more sun, but the blues in particular scorch in strong light.

    Slugs and snails are the main challenge. Protect the young leaves as they emerge in spring with your preferred method, grow hostas in pots where they are easier to defend, and clear hiding places nearby. Established plants with tougher leaves suffer less.

    Very well, and it makes slug control much easier. Use a large pot of rich, moisture-retentive compost, keep it watered through summer, and stand it in shade. Hostas are among the best foliage plants for a shady patio.

    In summer, sending up tall stems of lily-like flowers in white or lavender above the foliage. They are grown mainly for their leaves, but the flowers are a welcome bonus and some are scented.