Coloured Foliage Collection

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

Prepare a planting hole measuring 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts of compost with crumbled soil. Partially backfill the hole, and position your plant so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. Applying a base fertiliser (dehydrated blood, powdered horn) will nourish your plant during the rooting period without the risk of burning the roots. Make sure to position the neck well above ground level. Firm the soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, you will need to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate the plant's establishment. Also, water regularly during dry summers.

With their common preference for moist environments, 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 should be protected from gastropods. Protect your Hostas by surrounding them with ferramol-based pellets (certified in Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, wood chips, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are the gardener's best allies in the fight against gastropods because, unlike chickens, they do not dig up the soil and do not attack the young plants' green shoots. Finally, some plants have an odour that is repulsive for slugs, such as absinthe and garlic.