skip to main content

Landscape Design garden Groundcovers

Question regarding hardiest hostas

4 years ago

The area between patio and backyard contains soil that we've planted with hostas in the past. In the last couple of summers they come back but haven't grown or spread out very well. There may be too much sun back there, plus there is a tree whose roots may be causing an issue. Given that we're home all the time now we're thinking of ordering hosta seeds or bulbs online and starting them indoors (we're in the upper Midwest where it is still wintery) before replanting them. Does anyone have recommendations as to what varieties of hostas are most likely to thrive in the conditions I described? Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
If it is sunny, you want sun tolerant hostas. There are some but not tons. Most hostas are shade lovers. Hosta from seed will take too long before you see anything of any size.....years. Hostas are not bulbs but they are often sold early in the season as dormant starts. And if still dormant, they can be planted now. Some of mine are still dormant (or mostly so) while others have already emerged.

And there is a dedicated Hosta forum here I have linked to. Post your question there and they will give you all sorts of suggestions.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Seems to me like the more expensive the hosta, the more delicate its constitution is. So I'd get plain old green cheap hostas and try them. Sometimes you can get them for free if someone is dividing theirs.
Related Discussions
Hardiest Ts and floribundas in zone 4 ?
Q
Comments (22)
twrosz, I am brand new to roses, but the general consensus is that the 'mystery rose' in my backyard is a 'Rose de Rescht.' This is our second summer in this house, and it sat empty for three years before us. This rose grew under a pine tree for at least those three years without any help at all. This past winter we had record snowfall and brutal cold. All I had to do was tip prune this Spring. This rose IS tough as nails here in 4b/5a, and has wonderful, wonderful bloms and scent. It had only a flimsy rebloom, but it is also very shaded. This fall she gets moved to the sun, and we'll see how that goes!
...See More
Question Regarding Rodgersia
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks for all the comments! This year they each had a few more leaves, and even a few new ones popped up a foot or 2 from the parents. Unfortunately, they really got too much sun/wind and were scorching in spite of daily waterings. I moved them a week ago into a spot that's almost full shade...so hopefully they will be happier there...I was tired of seeing their leaves get totally disfigured.
...See More
Question regarding maple trees
Q
Comments (12)
A limiting factor in Acer rubrum growth is soil pH. It must be on the acid side for this tree to thrive. I'll bet you've got such soil in NJ though. Where I live, our soil is underlain by dolomite-a type of limestone. As such, we don't do well with A. rubrum here, although just a county away, they're fine. For us it's the Freeman maple if we want red fall color, that being a hybrid between red maple and silver maple. They do great here. +oM
...See More
Regarding hosta Brave Amherst
Q
Comments (1)
check hugos database at the library .... this plant has been nothing but trouble for me.. refusing to grow with any vigor for 10 years ... though it wont die either .... IF IT WERE ME .... i would enjoy it.. BUT LEAVE IT ALONE ... but that is just me ... ken
...See More
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
4 years ago
Here is a list of Sun tolerant Hosta from Don Rawson's invaluable lists.
sherrygirl zone5 N il
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Without a doubt in my mind the most sun tolerant hosta ever is JUNE! I’m in zone 5a, northern Illinois. My June hosta get at least 6 hours of direct sun with NO signs of sunburn foliage, and minimal extra watering. Check this one out! Another bonus, it’s easy to find.

Sherry
dettmerdds
3 years ago
I have found Golden Tiara to be the most hardy and prolific of all my hostas. Mine (photo attached) get about 3-4 hours of early of early morning sun and grow (and spread!) like crazy. I have divided them MANY times and they just keep coming back and filling in the bare spots. (That's Love Pat in the middle of the mass planting.)

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Select the Right Gravel for Your Garden

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Answer these 7 questions to find the right gravel size, color and texture for your needs and landscape style

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Help Your Home Fit Into the Landscape

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Use color, texture and shape to create a smooth transition from home to garden

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Painter’s Palette Knotweed Adds Color in Shade

Use bold and colorful Persicaria virginiana for an artistic touch in a darker garden

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Pave the Way to Landscape Style With Flagstone

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Define a patio, build a path, make a fire pit ... learn about flagstone's many uses, plus costs and considerations, here

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

DECORATING GUIDES From Queasy Colors to Killer Tables: Your Worst Decorating Mistakes

Houzzers spill the beans about buying blunders, painting problems and DIY disasters

FALL GARDENING Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spring is overrated for planting. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardener

SELLING YOUR HOUSE The Latest Info on Renovating Your Home to Sell

By Laura Gaskill

Pro advice about where to put your remodeling dollars for success in selling your home

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

Sponsored

More Discussions

Landscaping junipers you like the look of

13

Have you removed all grass from your front yard & replaced with plants

56

Help with curb appeal

15

Heat pump camouflage

4

What should I plant here?

9