Hosta Plants

by Donna
(Knoxville, Tennessee)

Hosta plants are very popular plants that are grown more for their foliage than their blooming flowers. However, few realize that the various shades of the leaves determine exactly how each plant should be grown.

The most popular variety is the hosta that has green leaves. These hosta plants should always be grown in partial or full shade. Shade is essential to the growth of these varieties. There is one important difference, however, and that is the plantaginea, which requires bountiful sunlight. The white flowers are especially fragrant, and are much larger than those of other plants.

Another type is the one that has blue leaves. These hosta plants should be grown in full shade. As a result, you will have heart-shaped blue foliage that will decorate your garden and make it a delightful sight. Typically, the flowers are white and the plants are under one inch in height.

A third type of hosta plant comes with variegated leaves. These types of plants have a lighter color in the middle of the leaf, or on the edge of their leaves. These plants are one to two inches in height and one to two inches in width. Their flowers typically bloom in a lavendar shade early in the summer season. These must be grown in partial or full shade, as well.

Growing these plants can be a rewarding part of any garden, if care is taken to grow them correctly. A simple way to judge where plants must be grown is by examining the color of the foliage that you are planning to grow.