Hostas are extremely popular, hardy herbaceous perennials which are grown primarily
for their attractive foliage. They are easy to grow, shade-
Hostas originally came from Japan, China, and Korea. They were first introduced to Europe in the late 1700s and then came to the United States in the middle 1800s.
A hosta plant generally reaches full maturity in 4–8 years, and its size depends on the cultivar. Cultivars are “cultivated varieties” that have been developed for some desirable or improved feature such as plant form, size, bloom, leaf colour, variegation, pest resistance, etc.
The miniature Hosta ‘Baby Bunting’ grows to only a few inches in diameter, while other cultivars reach 8 feet wide and even larger. Hosta ‘Blue Angel’ and ‘Sum and Substance’ are examples of very large plants that need to be given ample room to grow. Most hosta plants develop a rounded shape, although some cultivars have a vase shape, which is maintained as the plant grows larger. A few hosta cultivars are rhizomatous and can spread by underground rhizomes or runners.
Hostas change throughout the season as well as in their four to six year maturing process. Intensity of most leaf colours and variegation develops from early spring throughout the growing season. However, some plants produce their most distinctive colour in early spring and diminish as the season progresses. As a hosta matures, the height increases, leaf margins may widen, some may take on a more round leaf or develop a quilted, puckering appearance. It is possible you may not see some of these true adult characteristics develop for several years. Occasionally, they may produce sports of a different leaf colour or configuration from the original plant.
