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Hostas are probably the most valuable perennials of any garden, and they are increasing rapidly in popularity. Variegated types are better for shady areas with filtered sunlight. Green or yellow types can withstand more sun. Hostas with fragrant flowers usually do best with 3-4 hours of morning sun. Blue foliage types keep their blue color best in full shade and tend to burn if given sun. Most importantly, prepare your hosta growing area by tilling the soil about 10" and add compost or other organic matter. Establish walking paths through the bed before planting. Or, place stepping stones to avoid walking in the hosta bed so that soil does not become compacted. Giving your hostas extra water to supplement natural rainfall increases their size more rapidly and decreases the tendency to develop leaf-burn during the hottest months of summer. We find that using a simple "leaky hose" wound through the garden is the best method of watering. Overhead sprinklers can sometimes cause water spots on your plants We suggest mulching with an organic mulch. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant by about 1-1/2 to 2"; spread mulch about 1-1.2" to 2" thick.
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