Hosta fortunei Patriot

Hostas are planted in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, rich, humus-bearing, loose soil, preferably neutral to acidic (at least low in limestone), moist to wet throughout the year. Plant them in partial or dappled shade and sheltered from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole of 20 cm (7.9 in) x 20 cm (7.9 in) x 20 cm (7.9 in). If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts of compost with crumbled soil, partially fill the hole, and place your potted plant so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil. Adding a slow-release fertilizer will nourish your plant during its rooting period without the risk of burning. Make sure to position the base well above ground level. Firm the soil and water generously to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, regular watering for a few weeks will help to establish your plant. Also, water regularly in case of a dry summer.

With their preference for moist areas, slugs and snails never stray far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, which is less appealing to slugs, these plants still need gastropod protection. Protect your Hostas by surrounding them with ferramol-based pellets, eggshells, coffee grounds, mulch, or any dry, rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are the best allies of gardeners in the fight against gastropods because, unlike chickens, they do not till the soil and do not attack the tender green shoots of young plants. Finally, a natural way to repel slugs and snails is to have companion plants with a repulsive odour, such as wormwood and garlic.