How to Plant Hostas

Plant bareroot hostas with the crown level with the soil, 1–3 feet apart depending on their mature size, in filtered shade and rich, moist soil.

How to Plant Hostas
When to plant
Spring is best; early fall also works
Depth
Crown (where roots meet shoots) level with the soil surface, growing tips just showing
Spacing
1–3 feet apart, by the variety's mature size
Sun
Filtered shade; 2–3 hours of morning sun for gold and yellow varieties, more shade for blues
Water
Daily for the first week, then about 1 inch a week, soaking deeply rather than often
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained, high in organic matter, slightly acidic

Step by step

  1. Plant in the evening or on an overcast day, so the new plants aren't hit with heat right away.
  2. Choose a spot sheltered from extreme heat with filtered shade. Gold and yellow varieties color best with 2–3 hours of morning sun, and blue varieties need the shadier spots.
  3. Dig a hole slightly wider than the roots and spread them out evenly.
  4. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, with the growing tips just visible.
  5. Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
  6. Water daily for about a week, then taper off to a deep soak of about an inch a week.
  7. Spread 2 inches of mulch around the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the crown.

After bloom

Remove spent flower stalks. If you don't care for the flowers, cut the stalks before they bloom; it won't hurt the plant. Feed in spring as leaves emerge and again before flowering; stop by late July. In late fall, rake up and dispose of dead leaves to cut down on disease and slugs. Divide clumps every 5–7 years in spring, as the eyes poke through the ground.
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