Height: 16-20in
Spread: 30in
Zone: 3-9
Exposure: Part shade to full shade
Bloom Time/Color: June-July, lavender
Uses: Massing, borders, shade garden, specimen
Maintenance: Low
Other: Attracts hummingbirds, cut flower

Hostas continue to be the mainstays of the shade garden and the backdrops for other smaller perennials. If given consistent even moisture, hostas can be planted in most soils in shade and will require little care thereafter. Hostas will grow into large clumps and can be easily divided and moved; plant in mass or borders for a bold effect. Aside from the varying color schemes of hosta leaves, most are green and will produce slender stalks of bell-shaped flowers by mid-summer. Both the leaves and flowers make decent cut flowers and can be used in mixed arrangements. Flowers also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. 'Paul's Glory' is a smaller hosta with bicolored leaves that are deep green along the edges and creamy white in the center. Pale lavender flowers emerge, towering above the mounded foliage by summer.

Growing guide:

light/watering
drought-tolerant once established these plants are at their best in evenly moist soil in partial shade, although a very few will tolerate full sun with sufficient water. Once established, hostas can handle drought and will compete successfully with tree roots in the north, but need regular watering in the south.

fertilizer/soil + pH/zone
Hostas thrive in average, even, and damp soils that are slightly acidic and will benefit from a light application of fertilizer in early spring. These low-maintenance plants can be ignored and they will still perform. However, to get the most out of them, provide deep rich soil with consistent watering along with occasional side dressing of compost or aged manure. An organic mulch is appreciated but keep it away from the crowns. Zone 3-9.