Hosta Root, Twilight

Hosta are shipped as dormant bare-roots and for best results, it is important that they be planted promptly upon arrival. If you are not able to plant the root(s) upon arrival, keep them in the bag and store in a cool, dry, dark location with air ventilation for a day or two. If the roots and medium in the bag are dry, soak them in luke-warm water for a few minutes.

• It is a good idea to soak the root(s) for 30 to 60 minutes before planting. Soaking will hydrate the plants and reduces the stress associated with the drying of soil around the roots after planting.
• Hosta should be planted after the last frost in a well-draining, organic rich soil in part shade to full shade. They can tolerate 2 to 3 hours of morning sun, but need to be in shade protected from the hot afternoon sun.
• Prior to planting, soil can be amended with compost or well-rotted mature to improve fertility and drainage. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30 cm (12") before planting. After loosening the soil, this is a good time to mix in 5-10 cm (2-4") of well-rotted manure, or compost.
• Dig a wide hole about 8 cm (3") deep. Create a mound of soil in the bottom of the hole. Drape and spread the roots over the mound holding the crown (where the roots come together and meet the stem) just below the soil level, 2.5-5 cm (1 to 2") deep. Any growth on top of the crown should be at the soil surface level. Carefully backfill the hole with soil and lightly tamp the soil over the newly planted root to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
• Plant spacing will depend on how wide each hosta grows.
• Hosta are perennials and will over winter. In the Fall, after a few frosts, hosta leaves get mushy. Cut the leaves back to ground level to avoid slugs and potential disease.
• Water needs: Generally plants require 2.5 cm (1") of water per week to be healthy. This can come from rain or self-watering. Deep and less frequent watering is best to promote long roots. More frequent watering may be required in drought-like conditions. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out. When planted in a sunnier area, they will require more water.

**Not ready to plant? If you are not able to plant the root(s) for more than a day or two, remove the root(s) and plant in a container with moistened potting mix and place in a cool (not freezing), dark location. Storing the roots for an extended period of time can reduce their viability.

• Hostas do very well in a filtered light situation under the canopies of trees and shrubs and not in a dark area with little light.
• They do not like to be placed in heavily rooted areas where they have to compete for moisture and nutrients.
• If you are seeing holes in the leaves of you hosta plants, it is mostly likely caused by slugs. To deter slugs, you can place crushed eggshells, pinebark mulch or copper tape around the plants.

Planting in containers

• Choose a container that is on the small size for the mature size of the hosta. You only want 8 cm (3") of space between the plant roots and the inside wall of the container.
• Select a container with good drainage. Stones can be added to the bottom of the container to aid in drainage. Water should freely drain from the drainage holes after a good soak. It is better to water the container throughly less frequently rather than water just a little every day. If you are experiencing dry conditions or high temperatures, you may have to water more frequently. If the leaves are beginning to wilt, they are needing water. Caution: excessive water can cause crown rot.
• Use a well-draining mix formulated for containers. You can mix in some well-rotted manure or compost. Avoid potting mixes that contain moisture crystals. Do not use garden soil.
• Fill the container with soil, about 15 cm (6") from the top. Spread the roots on top of the soil, in the center of the container, holding the crown (where the roots come together and meet the stem) just below the soil level, 2.5-5 cm (1 to 2") deep. Any growth on top of the crown should be at the soil surface level. Top the container off with more soil and gently pat the surface with your hands to settle the soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
• Provide protection from the winter by moving the container into an unheated garage or shed. Or bury the pot into your garden.