A sprouting shoot from the crown that can support anywhere from one (rare) to twelve (perhaps) leaves. Early in the spring, the new eyes appear as conical projections from the crown. Also known as divisions, but this might be misleading when referring to a newly divided plant. Hosta farmers will discuss the amount of eyes on their hostas, but keep in mind that a hosta with three little eyes may have less presence in the garden than one with one enormous eye.
How many eyes does a hosta have?
Our hostas are grown in generously sized 4 1/2 inch pots for our large variety and deep 3 inch containers for some of our petite and miniature kinds at New Hampshire Hostas. Starter hosta plant plugs are also 40% less expensive than their larger/older siblings. Some of the larger hosta varieties are being grown in Two Gallon containers for a larger plant!
Receive Firmly Established Hosta & Companion Plants
Our hostas and companions aren’t in pots and aren’t new transplants. Hostas and shade perennials that are well-established in their containers and ready to be transferred into your garden are what we transport.
Guaranteed True To Variety
Depending on the kind, our hostas have one to three eyes. Single-eyed hosta cultivars are more common in larger hosta cultivars, while multiple-eyed hosta cultivars are more common in smaller hosta cultivars. Our hostas may have arisen from division or tissue culture, but we guarantee that they are true to variety in both cases. Any plant that does not appear to be true to name will be replaced or refunded.
Why We Sell Plants In Containers
When you choose container grown plants rather than bare root plants, you’ll get a hosta plant that’s ready to go in your garden the day it arrives. There isn’t a whole lot of transplant shock.
Yes, We Do Need To Ship Bare Roots To Some States
Prior to 2016, we sent our hostas in their containers to all states, with the exception of a couple on the West Coast, where rigorous agricultural restrictions prevented us from doing so. The state of New Hampshire informed us in 2016 that we would need to bare root the plants being delivered to almost half of the country due to tightening rules on transporting soil from state to state. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, but we must adhere to the guidelines. A list of states to which we must send bare root plants can be found on our Shipping & Returns page.
We send the plants bare root to the states that require them, and we do so on demand so the plants do not sit in a storage facility. We take container plants and bare root them per order, then ship them right away so they don’t go too long without soil. You’ll get the same container-grown plants that everyone else gets, but we’ll bareroot them for you. The majority of bare root orders arrive in 2-3 days, and the plants don’t miss a beat! For instructions on how to care for bare root plants, visit our Growing Tips page.
What is a scape on a hosta plant?
Hostas are low-maintenance perennials that are more commonly grown for their striking foliage than for their minor blooms. Some growers cut off the stalks, known as scapes, as soon as they appear, focusing the plant’s energy on vegetative growth and the formation of new clumps. If you want to do this, cut scapes as close to the crown as possible as the plant begins to produce, which can happen anytime between early spring and August, when many H. plantaginea hybrids bloom.
What is a hosta petiole?
Petiole rot, formerly known as hosta crown rot, is one of the most terrifying fungus diseases for a hostaphile (passionate lover of all things hosta). The first reports of symptoms this season have begun to appear, therefore now is a good time to update Paula Flynn, former Extension Plant Pathology Diagnostician’s essay from July 2004.
The fungus Sclerotium rolfsii var. delphinii causes petiole rot, which is a highly devastating disease of hosta. Because the fungus has such a broad host range, it can cause problems on a variety of garden plants. On hostas, disease signs begin with marginal yellowing and browning of the leaves, beginning with the lower leaves. At the base of the petiole, a soft, brown, mushy rot can be visible, occasionally accompanied by white fungal threads. The leaves yellow and wilt as the disease spreads. The base of the petioles rots away in the last stages of the disease, and the leaves collapse and lay flat on the ground. Collapsed leaves are easy to remove from the plant’s crown.
At the base of affected petioles, the disease fungus forms little round fungal fruiting structures roughly the size of mustard seeds. When these structures, known as sclerotia, are young, they are a cream tint, but as they age, they turn a dark, brick red tone. Sclerotia are the fungus’s long-term survival structures. Sclerotia germinate in warm, humid conditions, and the fungus’ mycelium develops in the earth until it finds a plant that is susceptible.
A variety of strategies is required for effective management. Planting any questionable or symptomatic plants is not recommended. Plants from polluted beds should not be moved to other parts of the garden. Remove sick plants and carefully remove the surrounding soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, replacing it with non-contaminated soil. A mulch-free zone of several inches around the base of vulnerable plants may also be beneficial. Susceptibility to this disease varies by cultivar; some tolerant cultivars (less susceptible) include Halcyon, Honeybells, Snow Mountain, and Tall Twister. Lemon Lime, Munchkin, Nakaiana, Platinum Tiara, and Tardiflora are all susceptible varieties.
To help manage the disease, fungicides like flutolanil or thiophanate-methyl based fungicides like Cleary 3336 or Fungo are available, however they may not be widely available to the home grower. Fungicides for gardens and home cures like bleach are ineffective. To summarize, there are no simple solutions, and prevention is the best approach.
Will hostas come back every year?
Hostas are perennials, which means they will return year after year, bigger and better. In Zones 3 to 9, most hostas thrive. These adaptable shade plants generate a pile of leaves, but each variety has its own characteristics, such as plant size, leaf shape, and leaf color.
What is a tetraploid hosta?
The majority of hostas are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, whereas tetraploids have four. This month, we look into whether having extra chromosomes in a cultivar has any benefits, and why there appears to be an increasing trend in hostas to chemically induce this trait.
In the heart of the Green Mountains, we have a thriving hosta farm. We sell a wide range of hosta plants at our nursery, including blue, green, gold, and variegated varieties in a variety of patterns and colors. We grow over 500 types, with over 400 currently accessible for your garden. We grow a wide range of new and interesting kinds, as well as tried and true older varieties with a proven track record. We can offer hostas for sale at some of the most reasonable prices on the market because we are a large hosta nursery. RETAIL FROM $4.00 for older kinds to a MAXIMUM of $16 for the latest releases. Field-grown plants are larger, hardier plants that have previously been suited to garden soil.
European ginger, the ideal companion plant, is now available. It has rich, glossy, dark green leaves that makes it an excellent ground cover. It will grow in any shaded place, but it thrives in very deep shade, where even many hosta cultivars struggle.
What is the name of the largest hosta?
Hostas exist in a variety of forms and sizes, so you can grow them till they’re bigger than you if you really want to!
The largest widely available hostas are Empress Wu, Sum & Substance, and Gentle Giant Hostas, which normally grow to a spread of 5-6 wide. After five years, giant hostas reach their full size, though it may take longer if they don’t get enough nutrition and sunlight. Fortunately, there are a few methods for ensuring that your extra-large hosta variety grows to its full potential.
Continue reading to learn about the several types of huge hostas and how to nurture them into lovely, blooming perennials.
What does Epsom salt do for hostas?
Epsom salt enhances chlorophyll levels in hostas, reducing stunted development and making their leaves greener and thicker. It also promotes bushier plant growth and increases disease and insect resistance.
Get Rid of Slugs
The most prevalent pests that attack hostas are slugs. Slugs can be deterred by placing a tablespoon of Epsom salt in the shape of a ring around hostas. Their bodies will be irritated by the sharp crystals of Epsom salt, and they will avoid getting near your plants. For optimal results, apply once a week.
For Yellowing Hosta Leaves
Magnesium insufficiency might be indicated by yellow hosta leaves. Once a month (or more frequently if necessary), sprinkle a spoonful of Epsom salt around the base of your hosta plant per 12 inches of height until it begins to look green again.
For Lush and Healthy Hosta Plants
Even if your soil is not magnesium deficient, factors such as acidic soil, low soil temperature, soil cation exchange capacity, high potassium, and salt can all impede Magnesium uptake by plant roots.
In that case, foliar feeding your hosta plants with Epsom salt solution is a good idea:
- During the rapid growth period, mix 2 teaspoons Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and sprinkle on the foliage once a month.
- Reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon as growth slows. Your hostas will stay lush and healthy with the foliar treatment.
Mix Epsom Salt with Fertilizer
To improve the efficiency of the all-purpose liquid fertilizer, mix a pinch of Epsom salt with it before feeding the hosta plants, then apply according to the recommendations on the fertilizer’s packet.