How to Grow Stunning Hostas in Pots: A Complete Guide (2024)

Learn how to grow stunning hostas in pots with this complete guide. Discover expert tips on planting, care, and choosing the best varieties.

Hostas have become a staple in shade gardens across the globe for their lush foliage and pollinator-friendly flowers. While traditionally planted in the ground, they thrive just as well in pots. This offers a versatile and space-saving solution for both seasoned gardeners and those with limited space.

In my early days of gardening, I did not appreciate them as much as I do now because they are more foliage-focused than blooms. But over time, I started to appreciate their value in my gardens and started potting them up in my outdoor living spaces. Their foliage lends a tropical aesthetic in pots, wouldn’t you agree?

Whether you have a spacious patio or a cozy balcony, growing hostas in pots can add a touch of elegance and greenery to your surroundings.

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Hosta Plant Care Basics

Before we dive into caring for them in pots, let’s briefly cover the basics so you know what plantain lilies need to thrive.

Hostas are a popular perennial plant that are known for their striking foliage and ability to thrive in shady areas. Hardy in zones 3-9, they range in size from small to giant hostas. Plantain lilies bloom in the summer and are an asset to any perennial garden. We’ve got lots of different hosta varieties here and let me be the first to tell you how stunning each one of them truly is!

Hosta flowers are typically white, lavender, or purple and add a delicate touch to the lush foliage. In my zone 6b garden, it usually blooms in late June or July. The foliage itself can be green, blue, or variegated, providing a range of colors and textures to the garden.

Some gardeners don’t love the blooms and cut the flowers off because they don’t love the look. But they attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. I think the blooms are really pretty and feed pollinators so I say leave the blooms!

Hostas are particularly valued for their ability to create a dense, attractive ground cover in shaded areas​ but they also look incredibly lush in planters too.

• Common Name: Hosta
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, rich, moist
• Height: 1-3 feet
• Width: 1-4 feet
• Flower Color: White, lavender, purple
• Foliage Color: Green, blue, variegated
• Bloom Time: Summer

Why Hostas Thrive in Pots

Hostas are perfect for container gardening due to their resilience, adaptability, and compact root systems. Pots allow for optimal control of soil, drainage, and light conditions, promoting healthy growth. Container-grown hostas are also easier to protect from slugs and deer. Plus, it’s a manageable way for beginners to start gardening with less weeding required.

Choosing the Perfect Pots for Your Hostas

Selecting the right pot is crucial for the health and happiness of your hostas. Select pots at least 12 inches deep and wide for most hostas, with larger pots for larger varieties. Ensure ample drainage holes to prevent root rot. If they don’t have them, you may need to drill them.

Plastic or resin pots are lightweight but may tip especially when supporting taller plants. Terracotta pots offer excellent drainage but dry out faster and my require more frequent watering.

Pro Tip:Drip irrigation kits and self-watering containers are a game-changer for busy gardeners. These ingenious pots maintain consistent moisture levels, preventing underwatering (a dahlia’s nightmare!). Check out theAquapots from Proven Winners.Keep an eye on self watering planters when there is excessive rain as dahlia tubers will rot if the pots hold too much moisture.

Selecting the Right Hosta Varieties for Pots

When choosing hostas for pots, consider the mature size of the variety. Smaller hostas like ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ or ‘Francee’ are ideal for smaller containers, while larger varieties like ‘Sum and Substance’ or ‘Empress Wu’ need more spacious pots. Opt for hostas with colorful foliage or interesting variegation to create a visually striking display in your container garden.

Best Types of Hostas for Pots

Choosing the right hosta varieties for your pots is essential for success. Different sizes and types of hostas have varying space requirements and light preferences.

• Small Hostas: These compact varieties are perfect for smaller pots and balconies. Popular choices include ‘Blue Mouse Ears,’ ‘Tiny Tears,’ and ‘Little Caesar.’
• Medium Hostas: These versatile hostas fit well in medium-sized containers and offer a wider range of colors and textures. Consider varieties like ‘Francee,’ ‘Patriot,’ ‘June,’ and ‘Golden Tiara.’
• Large Hostas: If you have ample space, larger hostas can make a dramatic statement in large pots or planters. Options include ‘Sum and Substance,’ ‘Empress Wu,’ ‘Sagae,’ and ‘Krossa Regal.’
• Sun and Substance: Some hosta varieties, like ‘August Moon’ and ‘Sun and Substance,’ can tolerate more sun than others, making them ideal for sunnier spots.
• Variegated Hostas: For added visual interest, choose variegated hostas with different colored leaves. Popular options include ‘Patriot,’ ‘Liberty,’ ‘Fire and Ice,’ and ‘Great Expectations.’

Keep in mind that not all hosta varieties need the same kind of care. Research specific light and size requirements for your chosen hosta varieties to ensure optimal growth. And refer to plant tags or descriptions for detailed care instructions.

Planting Hostas in Pots: Step-by-Step Guide

Planting hostas in pots is very similar to doing it in the ground. In case you’ve never done it before, here’s how to pot them up!

1. Prepare the Pot: Ensure your pot has drainage holes. If not, drill a few at the bottom.
2. Add Potting Mix: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix formulated for container gardening. Avoid using garden soil, as it can become compacted in pots.
3. Plant the Hosta: Dig a hole in the center of the potting mix slightly larger than the hosta’s root ball. Gently remove the hosta from its nursery container and loosen the roots if they are tightly bound. (Don’t worry about hurting the plant, this helps them thrive). Place the hosta in the hole, ensuring the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill and Water: Fill the hole around the hosta with potting mix, gently firming it down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Essential Care Tips for Potted Hostas

While hostas are relatively low-maintenance they still need the right care to ensure they flourish in pots. From watering and fertilizing to light and pest management, here’s everything you need to know to keep your potted hostas healthy and vibrant.

Soil and Light Requirements for Container Grown Hostas

Hostas thrive in partial shade or dappled sunlight, with some varieties tolerating more or less sun. Plant in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are ideal for shady spots and underplantings. I usually plant mine in organic potting soil and they do really well.

Watering Hostas in Pots

Hostas prefer consistently moist soil, but be careful not to overwater, which can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure excess water drains freely. Remember that containers dry out faster than plants in the ground, so it’s important to water potted hostas regularly. Check the soil moisture level with your finger or amoisture meter. Avoid overwatering and allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between watering.

To keep my potted hostas hydrated, I run a drip irrigation kits to the each pot and that keeps them from drying out during the heat of summer. It is so much easier than manual watering and I can’t recommend these easy-to-buy and install kits enough.

Fertilizing Hostas in Pots

Fertilize potted hostas with a balancedslow-releaseorwater-soluble fertilizerformulated for flowering plants and follow the package instructions for application rates and frequency. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as it can encourage new growth that may be susceptible to frost damage.

Dividing Potted Hostas

Potted hostas often need to be divided over time. Hostas are vigorous growers, and in pots, their roots can quickly fill the available space. This can lead to overcrowding, reduced vigor, and smaller leaves. Dividing the plant every 3-5 years helps maintain its health and encourages robust growth.

The best time to divide potted hostas is in early spring before new growth emerges or in the fall after the foliage has died back. When dividing, ensure each division has a healthy portion of roots and shoots to ensure successful replanting.

Repotting and Replanting Container Grown Hostas

After a year or two in a planter, hostas may lose their vigor. Remove the plant from its container and repot it with fresh potting mix or plant it in the ground.

Pest and Disease Control for Container Grown Hostas

Monitor your hostas for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include slugs and snails, which can be controlled with diatomaceous earth or copper tape. However, pot grown hostas typically aren’t affected by them as much.

If you garden in an area where there is frequent deer browsing, potted hostas will need protection. Keep in mind that hostas are not deer-repellent plants. Thus, Deer repellents, fencing, and companion planting are great options to help keep deer from eating hosta plants.

Overwintering Potted Hostas

For successful overwintering in colder climates, choose hosta varieties two zones hardier than yours, and plant them in all-weather pots. You can also move containers to a sheltered location or bury them in the ground, ensuring the soil level in the pot matches the surrounding ground.

Creative Ideas for Displaying Potted Hostas

Potted hostas offer endless possibilities for creative displays. Consider grouping pots of different sizes and varieties together for a visually appealing arrangement. You can also incorporate hostas into mixed container plantings with complementary plants like ferns, coral bells, or astilbe.

For a unique touch, try growing hostas in thrift store finds, repurposed decor, hanging baskets, or elevated planters. Just keep their growing size in mind before potting them up!

Final Thoughts on Growing Hostas in Pots

Growing hostas in pots opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to enjoy these shade-loving beauties even in limited spaces. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving container garden filled with lush, vibrant hostas.

Experiment with different varieties, pot styles, and companion plants to create a unique and personalized display that brings joy and tranquility to your outdoor living areas. Remember, with a little care and attention, your potted hostas will reward you with their stunning foliage and graceful presence for years to come.

For more information about growing hostas in pots, see these university extension articles.

• University of Vermont Extension
• Univeristy of Minnesota Extension

To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:

• Flower Gardening 101
• Growing a Cut Flower Garden for Beginners
• Container Garden Ideas for Beginners

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.

Happy Gardening! Enjoy a beautiful day!