Hostas are one of the most preferred landscaping elements. These stunning plants are available in varied sizes and colours. Apart from adding beauty to your landscape, they are also very hearty which makes them a perfect choice for backyard design Sydney projects of varied types in almost all locations.
Though the Hosta plant is quite strong, it’s not invincible. If you don’t take care of it in the proper manner, you may be disappointed with the results. In contrast, if you treat them right, they can be an asset of your landscape project.
Here are a few tips regarding growing the best possible Hostas for your landscaping needs. We have mentioned the top three areas of Hosta plant care, sunlight’s value, planting considerations and controlling the pests.
The Value of Sunlight
Though Hosta plant can bear the shade but it is advised that you plant it in a place where sunlight is available. This plant may survive in a deeply shaded area but it would fail to thrive.
You should seek a Hosta location that offers sunshine in the morning and shade during the hot afternoon hours as these plants would be receptive to such an environment.
If you put Hostas in full-afternoon sun, you risk them getting burned which will reduce their attractiveness and puts a limit on their potential for growth.
Though it’s true that these plants can handle up to six hours of sunlight every day, it is highly recommended that you limit that exposure to earlier time periods.
Planting Considerations
When you are planting your Hostas, you need to ensure that they are given enough room to grow. The common error most people make while planting Hosta is that they fail to consider the eventual size of a mature plant.
You shouldn’t make the same mistake and must plant your Hostas in at least one-foot holes. The hole must be two times the projected width of the fully-grown plant. If you keep the quarters very tight, the plant may fail to thrive.
Soil matters a lot as well because Hostas grow flawlessly in nutrient rich and well drained soils that have a slightly elevated pH level.
These plants also need use of good fertilizer that’s in granular form and regular watering. In fact, Hostas can grow without any added nutrient in most cases but they won’t reach their full potential until you optimize the conditions for them.
Different types of Hostas have different needs. So, you would be smart to do some specific research regarding the varieties you are considering for your landscape with the aim to handle planting as effective as possible.
Pest Control
Though Hostas are very tough, they can also be vulnerable at times because they can become a victim of pests. Snails and slugs particularly like Hostas because they avoid detection until you see the signs of damage.
You can prevent a pest attack by using special bait or pesticides around the base of Hostas as it will keep the predators away.
Buying anti-pest products is an easy task as they are available easily in most of the garden, hardware, and home stores. There are many organic pest products and deterrents available in the market that can ensure a safer environment.
Though the organic products are sometimes less effective, but if you use them right, you can deter attacks from slugs and snails.
If you live in a rural area, you should remember that the Hostas may be victimized by slightly bigger predators like deer and other wildlife. You can prevent such attacks by fencing the area and protection any intrusion.
Conclusion
On the whole, it can be said that Hostas are a perfect addition to most of the landscapes and their resilience and beauty makes them an attraction of a landscape that draws the eye.
If you take care of them in the right manner by following the aforementioned advice, you will, one day be proud of your decision to add this plant to your landscape.
