Hosta Gold Standard: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for These Stunning Plants

If you're looking for a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for, look no further than the hosta. With their lush green leaves and showy flowers, hostas are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes all over the world. But not all hostas are created equal - some are more hardy, disease-resistant, or simply more stunning than others. That's where the Hosta Gold Standard comes in. This guide will introduce you to everything you need to know about growing and caring for hostas, and help you choose the best varieties for your garden.

What is Hosta Gold Standard?

The Hosta Gold Standard is a program established by the American Hosta Society to recognize hosta cultivars that meet certain criteria for excellence. To qualify for the Gold Standard, a hosta must exhibit superior qualities such as good growth rate, disease resistance, and overall appearance. Hostas that have been awarded the Gold Standard are considered to be among the very best of their kind, and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Choosing the Right Hosta for Your Garden

When it comes to choosing a hosta for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the area where you'll be planting. Hostas come in a range of sizes, from tiny miniatures to giants that can grow up to six feet tall! Make sure you choose a variety that will fit well in the space you have available.

Next, think about the amount of sunlight the area receives. Most hostas prefer partial shade, but there are some that can tolerate full sun or even deep shade. Choose a variety that will thrive in the amount of light available in your garden.

Finally, consider the overall look you want to achieve. Hostas come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from solid green to variegated yellow and white. Some have ruffled or twisted leaves, while others are more upright or cascading. Think about how the hosta will complement other plants in your garden, and choose a variety that will add interest and texture to the landscape.

Planting and Care

Once you've chosen your hosta, it's time to plant it! Hostas are generally easy to grow and care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, prepare the soil by adding plenty of organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Hostas prefer soil that is rich and well-draining.

Next, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your hosta. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, and water well.

Hostas need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. They also benefit from a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilize your hosta once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer, following the package directions carefully. Prune back any dead or damaged foliage as needed throughout the growing season.

Pests and Diseases

Hostas are generally hardy and disease-resistant, but there are a few pests and diseases that can affect them. The most common pests include slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves and flowers. To control these pests, try using slug bait or setting out dishes of beer to attract and drown them.

Diseases that can affect hostas include crown rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases are often caused by poor soil drainage or overwatering. To prevent disease, make sure your hosta is planted in well-draining soil and watered only when needed.

Hosta Gold Standard Varieties

There are many hosta cultivars that have been awarded the Gold Standard, but here are a few of our favorites:

Sum and Substance

This giant hosta can grow up to six feet tall and eight feet wide! It has large, bright green leaves that are puckered and slightly corrugated. Sum and Substance is a great choice for adding drama and texture to the garden.

Guacamole

This medium-sized hosta has striking yellow-green leaves with dark green edges. It produces fragrant white flowers in midsummer. Guacamole is a great choice for adding color and interest to the partial shade garden.

June

This compact hosta has blue-green leaves with creamy yellow margins. It produces lavender flowers in midsummer. June is a great choice for adding subtle color and texture to a small garden or container.

FAQs

1. Are hostas difficult to care for?

Not at all! Hostas are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you provide them with well-draining soil, regular watering, and occasional fertilization.

2. Can hostas be grown in containers?

Yes! Hostas can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage. Choose a compact variety like June for a small container, or a larger variety like Sum and Substance for a larger pot.

3. What pests and diseases should I watch out for?

The most common pests that affect hostas are slugs and snails. Diseases like crown rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can also be a problem if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.

4. How often should I fertilize my hosta?

Fertilize your hosta once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer, following the package directions carefully. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to burned leaves and other problems.

5. When is the best time to divide my hosta?

Hostas can be divided in the spring or fall, when the weather is cool and moist. To divide a hosta, simply dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into smaller clumps. Replant the smaller clumps in well-draining soil, and water well.



Hostas are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to any garden or landscape. By choosing a variety that meets Hosta Gold Standard criteria, you can be sure you're getting a plant that is not only stunning, but also disease-resistant and hardy. Whether you choose a giant like Sum and Substance or a compact variety like June, hostas are sure to add interest and texture to your outdoor space.