If you look up during the winter, when all the deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, you might spot something still growing up there, tucked in the bare branches.It might be mistletoe, that beautiful parasite that we smooc
06.06.2023 - 20:24 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren
How to Grow Hostas: A Favorite Shade Loving Perennial Hosta spp.It’s easy to see why hostas are some of the most popular perennials on the market. They’re practically foolproof to grow; come in a massive array of sizes, patterns, and colors; and can adapt to a range of conditions.
Yes, they are beloved for their foliage, but they also send up spikes of flowers that are sometimes heavily scented and can be quite showy.
The tall flower spikes rise above the foliage in shades of purple, pink, red, yellow, lavender, and white. The flowers are actually quite pretty, even though they don’t get as much recognition as the leaves.
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The flowers are especially noticeable when a particular cultivar is planted in mass groupings.
Whether you need a little help with your existing hostas or you’re looking for something new for your space, we’ve got your back. Here is what we’ll cover in this guide:
Are you ready to get started? Let’s say “hello” to hostas!
Cultivation and HistoryHostas have been cultivated in China, Japan, and Korea, where they grow natively, for centuries.
They’ve been around so long that they are one of the oldest perennials out there. In the 1700s, they were imported to Europe where cultivation efforts expanded.
From there, they traveled across the Atlantic to the United States. The first mention of hostas in the US was in 1839, in The American Flower Garden Directory.
Today, there are 42 recognized species, and over 8,000 named cultivars and hybrids. Most hail from plants that originated in Japan.
Back in the day, they were called plantain lilies or funkias, but you rarely hear those names these days.
Hostas are
If you look up during the winter, when all the deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, you might spot something still growing up there, tucked in the bare branches.It might be mistletoe, that beautiful parasite that we smooc
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