Hostas are classic shade garden plants, prized for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shady spots. But despite their popularity, there is often confusion about hosta “bulbs” and what they actually look like. Read on for a beginner’s guide to understanding hosta bulbs and their growth habits.
Hostas Are Not True Bulbs
First, it’s important to clarify that hostas are not technically true bulbs. True bulbs, like tulips, daffodils and crocuses, have a rounded structure comprised of fleshy scales or modified leaves that contain all the parts necessary for the plant’s growth and reproduction.
Hostas do not possess this classic bulb structure. Instead they are herbaceous perennials that grow from a crown and root system. So what gardeners often refer to as “hosta bulbs” are in fact crowns, rhizomes (underground stems) or tubers.
What Does a Hosta “Bulb” Look Like?
Hosta “bulbs” come in a few forms:
Hosta Crowns
The crown is the part of the hosta where the roots and shoots meet. Hosta crowns are often divided to propagate new plants. They look like thick, knobby root masses with dormant buds on the top surface where this year’s shoots will emerge. The crown sits just below soil level.
Hosta Rhizomes
Rhizomes are modified underground stems that store energy and have nodes from which new shoots arise. Hosta rhizomes grow laterally just under the soil surface and generate new shoots and roots. They look like knobby, horizontal roots.
Hosta Tubers
Some hostas produce tubers, which are enlarged fleshy roots that store food and nutrients Hosta tubers are rounded, knobby structures that develop at the end of normal roots.
How Are Hostas Grown and Propagated?
Because they lack a traditional bulb structure, hostas are not grown from bulbs. There are two main ways to propagate hostas
Planting Bare Root Divisions
The most common method is planting bare root hosta divisions. These are sections of the hosta plant dug from the ground containing part of the crown and some roots. Bare root hostas come dormant, without foliage, and the divisions are 2-5 eyes or growth points.
To propagate hostas this way, divide existing plants in spring or fall by cutting apart the crowns. Replant the divided sections in the garden or containers. With this bare root method, each eye should develop into a new shoot.
Planting Potted Hostas
Hostas are also commonly sold as young potted plants. These are actively growing plants started in pots from tissue culture, seed, or divisions. Buying potted hostas allows you to acquire named cultivars and established plants that are already growing.
Caring for Hosta Bulbs
To help your new hosta crowns, rhizomes or tubers thrive, follow these care tips:
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Plant in early spring once the soil has warmed. Or plant in fall 6-8 weeks before first frost.
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Prepare a planting bed enriched with compost and keep soil moist but not soggy.
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Set crowns or tubers just below the surface with the top of the crown emerging 1-2 inches above soil level.
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Water thoroughly after planting and mist frequently until new shoots appear.
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Apply general purpose fertilizer a few weeks after planting when plants are growing.
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Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
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Divide when plants get overcrowded, usually every 3-5 years.
How Long Do Hosta Bulbs Last?
With proper care, hostas are long lived perennials. Depending on the variety, hostas can thrive in the garden for many years, some over two decades! To promote longevity:
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Divide crowns when they become overcrowded.
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Water during drought and avoid saturated soils.
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Apply fertilizer in spring to nourish plants.
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Watch for slugs and snails which can damage leaves.
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Cut off flower stems after bloom to direct energy to the plant.
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Remove tattered foliage at the end of season.
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Mulch around plants over winter in cold climates.
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Lift and store tubers in zones where they are not winter hardy.
The Takeaway on Hosta Bulbs
Even though they are called “bulbs,” hostas do not have a true bulb. But their crowns, rhizomes and tubers are easy to grow into lush hosta plants. Follow the planting, care and maintenance tips outlined here and your hosta “bulbs” will return for many years of enjoyment.
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Why We Love Hosta
- Theyre low-maintenance, perfect for beginner and busy gardeners alike.
- Their thick leaves give shady garden spots more texture and color.
- Hostas can grow in a lot of different sizes and leaf shapes, making them very useful.
Planting hosta roots
FAQ
Do hostas have bulbs?
How long does it take for a hosta bulb to grow?
What do hosta roots look like?
Should I soak hosta bulbs before planting?
What does a hosta plant look like?
The texture and shape of hosta leaves are also diverse, ranging from smooth and narrow to ridged and heart-shaped. Though mainly known for their interesting foliage, the plants also produce lovely flowers in pink, lavender, light blue, or white from early summer to early fall.
What is a hosta plant?
A **hosta** (also known as **plantain lily**) is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the genus *Hosta*.These shade-tolerant foliage plants are native to eastern Asia and are widely cultivated
How do you know if a hosta plant has flowers?
So, expect to see good leaf growth, but flowers should not be expected. The crown is the point on your bare root hosta where all the roots come together. It’s usually very easy to spot. This is the area on the plant that you want to be at soil level or slightly above it when you plant it, either in the ground or in containers.
How do you plant a hosta bulb?
Place the hosta bulb in the middle of the hole: Make sure the roots are pointed downwards but spread them up towards the sun. Fill the hole back up with soil carefully: Make sure not to leave any harsh clumps of soil or air pockets. Water after planting: This will add moisture to the soil.
