Hosta undulata Erromena

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

Prepare a planting hole of 20cm (8in) x 20cm (8in) x 20cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts of compost with crumbled soil, partially fill the hole, and place your plant in its root ball so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3cm (1in) of soil. Adding a base fertiliser (such as bonemeal) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without the risk of burning. Make sure to position the collar well above ground level. Firm the soil and water generously to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, you will need to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate the establishment of your plant. Also, water regularly during dry summers.

With their common preference for moist areas, 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 still need protection from gastropods. Protect your Hostas by surrounding them with 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, as they do not till the soil like chickens and do not target the lush green shoots of young plants. Lastly, some plants have a repulsive odour for slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.