The Best Regions to Grow Hostas Explained

I love planting hostas in my gardens. They have such a unique look, come in a variety of shapes and colors and are easy to grow in the right conditions. My biggest challenge when growing hostas is to keep pests like deer, rabbits and slugs away, but it is well worth the effort to keep this low-growing, leafy plant in my shade gardens. I also find it hard to choose which hostas to plant, because there are so many options. “It can be hard to choose a cultivar, because there are literally thousands of them. So it’s a good idea to make a list of the characteristics you want in a hosta, before you select one,” Sharon Yiesla, Plant Knowledge Specialist at the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum says. Once you choose your hostas, it’s important to plant them in the right conditions to get the best results.

Best Regions and Zones for Growing Hostas

Most hostas grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, with some varieties suitable for Zone 9. Those zones include almost all of the U.S. Hostas do need a period of cold and wet weather, which eliminates some warmer desert regions.

Best Conditions for Growing Hostas

If you’re thinking about adding hostas to your garden, make sure you’re setting the plant up for success with the right growing conditions. “In general, hostas grow best in partial to full shade, with consistent soil moisture,” Yiesla says. “There are some cultivars however, that have been developed to tolerate more sun,” including ‘Liberty’ and ‘August Moon’. However, hostas do need space to spread out, so do not plant them in an already crowded garden.

Keep in mind that humans aren’t the only ones who love hostas. Slugs have been known to snack on them, as well as deer and rabbits. But there are ways to keep deer away from your hostas, so plant them somewhere pests won’t have free reign.

Easiest Hosta Varieties to Grow

Hostas come in lots of shapes, sizes and colors, and some require less maintenance than others. One popular choice is Elegans, which grows well when dry or in shade and is also slug resistant. Leaf color and pattern can be a tough decision by itself. “Hostas come in green, blue, gold and mixtures of colors in many patterns,” Yiesla says. “Those with patterns in them may have green leaves with cream, white or yellow margins (leaf edges) or leaves with cream, yellow or white in the middle of the leaves.”

If you like blue-leaved hosta, Yiesla suggests ‘Blue Hawaii’, ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, ‘Blueberry muffin’ and ‘Halcyon’. If you prefer gold or yellow-leaved hostas try ‘Fire Island’, ‘Munchkin Fire’ and ‘Dancing Queen’. “Make your wish list and then look for cultivars that meet all your needs,” Yiesla says. “Between local garden centers and online stores, you can find a hosta that fulfills all your wants.”

When to Plant Hostas

According to Miracle Gro, early spring and early fall are the best times to plant hostas to avoid extreme heat or rain. Hostas are a forgiving plant, though, and are difficult to kill. If the weather does heat up soon after planting, a good initial watering will help your hostas grow while they establish roots.

FAQ

What type of soil do hostas like?

Hostas like loamy, rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 to 7.0.

How big do hostas get?

“There are some hostas that are tiny enough to fit in the smallest garden, like ‘Lucky Mouse’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Baby Booties’,” Yiesla says. “Other cultivars may be two to three feet wide, and ‘Empress Wu’ can grow five to six feet wide.”

About the Expert

• Sharon Yiesla is a Plant Knowledge Specialist at The Morton Arboretum.