Hostas are prized primarily for their foliage but they also have attractive, often scented, summer flowers. These hardy perennials grow in clumps and are popular with people who garden in containers. In the spring and summer, they have the best low-growing foliage. Thriving in light and medium shade, they’re incredibly useful plants.
Hosta foliage is perfect for cutting. You can add silver, variegated, heart-shaped, crinkly, or smooth leaves to a flower arrangement because this genus has so many colors and grains.
With their showy foliage and low maintenance nature, it’s no wonder hostas are a staple in shady gardens. If you’re new to growing these perennial plants, you may be wondering – how fast do hostas grow once planted? Here’s an overview of hosta growth rates and factors that affect their speed of growth.
Hosta Growth Rate Categories
Hosta growth rates fall into three general categories
Fast Growing Hostas
These hostas multiply quickly to form large clumps within a few years They produce many new buds annually, expanding their width rapidly
Examples of fast growing hostas include ‘June’, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’, and ‘Potomac Pride’.
Moderate Growing Hostas
The majority of hosta varieties fall into this moderate growth rate. They spread at a steady pace that’s slower than fast growers but quicker than slow growers.
Many popular varieties like ‘Blue Angel’, ‘Francee’, and ‘Sum and Substance’ are moderate growers.
Slow Growing Hostas
Slow growing hostas are very sluggish in generating new buds and clump division It takes many years for them to reach mature size
‘Wheee!’, ‘Golden Tiara’ and ‘Rainbow’s End’ are examples of slowly expanding hostas.
Factors Affecting Hosta Growth Rates
While hosta species and cultivars have inherent growth rates, other factors also influence their speed of growth:
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Plant Size – In general, miniature and small hostas grow more quickly than large and giant varieties.
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Growing Conditions – Hostas expand faster when grown in ideal conditions – rich soil, adequate moisture, filtered sunlight. Stress slows growth.
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Variegation – Heavily variegated leaves mean less chlorophyll and slower growth. Greener hostas tend to grow more quickly.
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Maturity – Young hosta plants focus energy on root establishment, slowing top growth. Mature plants over 3 years old grow most quickly.
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Division – Newly divided plants take 1-2 years to regain momentum. Undivided clumps grow faster.
Typical Hosta Growth Pattern
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Year 1 – Hostas may produce no new divisions the first year as the plant establishes. Foliage reachs about 50% of mature size.
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Year 2 – Rapid juvenile growth with 1-3 new divisions formed. Foliage achieves near full size.
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Year 3 – Growth rate peaks. Mature clumps expand outward at their natural pace based on variety.
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Year 4+ – Growth continues at a steady rate in undivided clumps. Expansion slows as centers die out and crowding occurs. Time to divide!
Hostas are not the fastest growing perennials, but their charming leaves make them well worth the wait. Knowing the growth rate of your hostas helps predict their spreading habit and divisions needed.
Advice for buying hostas
- There are many different sizes and shapes of hostas, and the leaves can be any color or pattern you can think of. Make sure you pick the right hosta for your garden and the way it will grow.
- Avoid buying hostas with green leaves. Foliage should be healthy and lush.
- Garden centers and nurseries sell a lot of hostas, but you might find something unique at a store that only sells them.
Hosta ‘Frosted Mouse Ears’
Hosta ‘Frosted Mouse Ears’ is a miniature hosta with thick, curled smoky-green foliage. This variety produces a dense cluster of small leaves, each with a contrasting lime green, irregular margin. The flowers are purple.
H x S: 20cm x 35cm
‘Hanky Panky’ is a medium-sized hosta. At the start of the season, the leaves are long and thin, with thick white edges that turn yellowish-green as the summer goes on. Also grows well in a sunny position.
H x S: 40cm x 90cm
‘Kikutii’ is medium-sized, with attractive narrow, pointed leaves in a lush mid-green colour. Ideal for creating a contrast among broad-leaved hostas, it bears lavender-coloured flowers.
H x S: 40cm x 60cm
Hosta ‘Love Pat’ is medium in size, with broad, thick foliage. Each leaf is an attractive smoky-blue colour – almost round – while the flowers are lilac.
H x S: 60cm x 60cm
SECRETS to Growing Huge Hosta | QUICKLY
Why are my hostas growing so slow?
It’s also important to note hostas that have a high amount of color variations can put out divisions more slowly than fully green ones. Having mostly white or yellow coloring means the plant has less chlorophyll, and this can lead to plants that get stressed more easily because of sunlight or lack of water. In turn, they can grow slower.
When do hostas start to grow?
The hostas will start to grow after their heat dormancy period during July. If you divide your fast growing hostas now, they’ll form new roots quickly. They’ll also make new foliage before the frost hits and keep it well into the fall months. You may even spot flowers later in the fall.
How do you grow Hostas?
Hostas will bulk up quickly, if given the right growing conditions. To increase your stock of plants, simply lift the plant carefully in autumn or spring with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the growing points. Place the plant on a potting bench and use a sharp knife to cut the plant into two.
Can a hosta grow in a pot?
When growing in pots, ensure there are plenty of drainage holes as waterlogged soil will kill the plant. Avoid metal containers as hosta roots need to be kept cool in summer. For best results, grow in large pots so the compost dries out less frequently. You can plant hostas all year round, but spring and autumn are preferable.