Growing Gorgeous Hostas in Pots

Hostas are a popular garden plant, prized for their lush green or variegated foliage and dainty flower spikes. While they are most commonly grown in garden beds, did you know you can also successfully grow hostas in containers? With the right potting mix and care, potted hostas can add beauty and vibrancy to patios, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces.

Why Grow Hostas in Pots?

There are several benefits to growing hostas in pots

• Convenience Container gardening allows you to easily move plants to optimize sunlight exposure or create decorative displays Hostas can be positioned in prime spots through the seasons.

• Portability: Potted hostas can be moved indoors or to a sheltered location if needed to protect them from extreme weather.

• Slug protection: Hostas are magnets for slugs and snails. Growing them in containers above ground can help deter these pesky pests.

• Size control: Regular division helps contain the growth of hostas grown in pots. This prevents them from outgrowing a space.

• Design flexibility: With container gardens, it’s simple to swap out or add plants to change the look. Hostas provide versatility in mixed planters.

Choosing the Best Hostas for Containers

While all hostas can be grown in pots, some varieties are better suited for container life than others:

• Mini hostas – Mini and dwarf hosta cultivars reach less than 12 inches in height. They are compact choices ideal for small pots.

• Slow-growing varieties – Larger hosta varieties that grow at a slow pace will avoid outgrowing their pots too quickly.

• Sun-tolerant types – Look for hostas suited to several hours of sun like ‘Stained Glass’ and ‘Sum and Substance’. More light exposure can help discourage fungal issues.

• Heat-tolerant cultivars – Certain hostas can better handle the warmer and drier conditions of container gardens. Consider ‘Blue Cadet’, ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, and ‘Crispula’.

Getting Started with Container Hostas

Hostas destined for life in pots require a few special considerations:

• Pot size – Select containers at least 12 inches wide and deep for one plant. For multiple hostas, opt for larger pots or cluster 2-3 smaller pots together.

• Drainage – Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Consider adding gravel at the base for extra drainage.

• Soil mix – Use a commercial potting mix or make your own by combining topsoil, compost, and perlite. Hostas need soil with excellent drainage.

• Fertilizer – At planting, mix a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil. Fertilize potted hostas monthly through the growing season.

• Watering – Hostas require consistent soil moisture. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Add water until it drains from the base.

• Sun protection – In intense sun, container hostas may need shade from taller plants or a sun shield on the pot.

Caring for Container Hostas

A few simple care tips will keep potted hostas looking their best:

• Water thoroughly whenever the soil starts to dry out. Hostas are prone to fungal diseases in soggy conditions.

• Remove spent flower spikes and any damaged foliage to encourage new growth.

• Watch for slugs and snails. Remove any pests found on plants. Traps can also protect container hostas.

• As growth fills out the pot, divide congested clumps in early spring or fall by cutting sections with a shovel or knife. Re-pot divisions.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted per label instructions. Stop fertilizing after August to prep for dormancy.

• Move pots to a sheltered spot for winter or overwinter dormant hostas in a cool basement or garage once they die back with the frost.

Designing With Container Hostas

The bold foliage of hostas provides ample design possibilities for potted arrangements:

• Create a soothing green oasis by grouping multiple pots of green hostas on a shaded deck.

• Contrast the shapes of hosta leaves by combining rounded and deeply crinkled varieties.

• Plant hostas with purple leaves like ‘Royal Standard’ or ‘Empress Wu’ for dramatic pops of color.

• Underplant tall vase-shaped hostas with low-growing trailing plants like ivy and dichondra.

• Include hostas in mixed planters with ferns, impatiens, and other shade-loving annuals.

• Accent hostas with containers of colorful blooming flowers like begonias and coleus.

• Use interesting containers like metal buckets or concrete bowls to show off the forms of hosta leaves.

Growing Stunning Hostas in Pots

With proper variety selection, an enriched soil mix, and attentive care hostas can thrive in pots just as well as garden beds. Container hostas allow you to bring striking foliage effects to patios, porches, and balconies. Try adding a few potted hostas this year to enhance your outdoor living space with their vibrant greens, creams, and blues.