The Origins of Hostas

Origins and History

• Hostas are native to China, Japan and Korea, where they thrive in the moist conditions found in these regions. They were introduced to Europe in the 1700s and brought to the U.S. in the 1800s. Today, there are more than 2,000 registered hosta cultivars available for the home gardener, according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Climates

• With their wide leaves and variegated foliage, hostas look like tender tropical plants, but they're actually long-lived, rugged plants that tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Consider that their native climates feature a diverse range of topography and weather, from semitropical heat to snow. Most hostas are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. A few, such as "Elegans" (Hosta sieboldiana "Elegans") are hardy to USDA zone 9.

Growing Conditions

• Hostas, unlike many perennials, tolerate and even prefer partial to full shade. Some varieties can tolerate partial morning shade, but intense heat scorches the leaves and flowers. Yellow and gold hostas benefit from two or three hours of morning sun, while blue and deep hostas grow best in shade, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Hostas need moist, rich, well-draining soil. They are more prone to disease and rot problems in heavy, soggy soils. Snails and slugs sometimes afflict hostas, but they're otherwise trouble-free, low-maintenance plants. With proper care, hostas might even outlive you.

Cultivar Selection

• Although the original native hostas were limited in size and form, recent cultivars are available with a wide variety of sizes and leaf colors. "Blue Wedgewood" (Hosta "Blue Wedgewood") has soft, wide blue leaves and grows 2 1/2 feet tall. The compact "Gold Edger" (Hosta "Gold Edger") grows less than 12 inches tall and has yellow to gold leaves. Like many yellow-leaved cultivars, "Gold Edger" is very sun-resistant. "Undulata Variegata" (Hosta "Undulata Variegata") is among the showiest cultivars with its variegated cream and green leaves. It grows to 2 feet tall. All three varieties thrive in USDA zones 3 through 8.