Hosta Royal Standard

Hostas are ideally planted in either spring or autumn. They prefer deep, rich, humus-bearing, loose soil that is neutral to acidic (with little to no limestone content) and moist to wet throughout the year. It's best to plant them in a position that offers partial or dappled shade and shelter from strong winds.

When planting, dig a hole that is 20 cm (7.9 in) x 20 cm (7.9 in) x 20 cm (7.9 in) in size. If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts of compost with broken-up soil, partially refill the hole, and place your plant so the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil. Adding an organic-based fertiliser will nourish your plant during its rooting period without the risk of burning. Make sure to position the base well above ground level. Firm the soil and water generously to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, you must water regularly for a few weeks to help the plant establish itself. Also, water regularly during dry summers.

Given their preference for moist places, hostas often attract slugs and snails. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage less appetising to slugs, protecting these plants from gastropods is still essential. Surround your hosta plants with ferramol-based granules (approved for Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, mulch, 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 till the soil and do not attack the tender green shoots of young plants. Finally, some plants have a repulsive odour for slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.