Hostas do really well here. They love good soil protected from afternoon sun. Morning sun is ok but the bulk of their day should be in the shade. They like to get watered, but watering is often less frequent than other exposures because of the relative moisture of shady places. And they like a nice, loose, well draining soil. With those simple requirements in place, hostas usually live good, carefree lives in Washoe County with their eye catching foliage making our lives even more pleasant.
Hostas die out and disappear in the winter, but they come back in the spring with new and more abundant leaves. In fact, their early emergence through last year's compost is a heartening sign of spring each year. But even better is during the hot August days when shade is so precious it feels intoxicating. With soothing drinks and good conversation under the trees of a cool breeze, the shade garden charms with help from the Hostas, soothing sore eyes and entertaining us.
Lilies are bulbous, typically very hardy, large leaved plants. They sometimes display quite striking flowers with sophisticated fragrances. Being hardy, many Lilies -- including Hostas -- adjust to container living quite easily and will return in March to beautify themselves for a long growing season. Known for both their textured leaves and colorful, fragrant flowers, Lilies are often described by their admirers as "simply elegant."
If you've yet to enjoy a Hosta, it's time. They are one of the easiest to care for and certainly one of the most rewarding shade garden plants. They will be your friends in no time.
Both Hosta sieboldiana 'Variegata' and undulata 'Medio-picta' are originally from Japan, while the Hosta plantaginea can be traced to both Japan and China. They are highly regarded and loved by gardeners the world over.
There are many more types of Hosta to choose from. Come in to our shop and see what we have in stock.
Hosta sieboldiana 'Variegata,' or "Seersucker plantain-Lily" needs a shade garden to be beautiful, but once established in the right place, the creamy white edged Hosta brings a different light to the garden -- ingredients for a calm, dreamy mood -- in the shadows of your cooled outdoor room. At twilight, the light edges seem to steal light from elsewhere and bring it in to the shade. As the twilight fades, the edges seem to glow and even draw upon the moon.
Well, maybe not, but they do make it easy to propagate and give away to your friends and loved ones. These great plants will divide in the middle of their growing season, even though it's easier and they probably prefer early spring. And who knows, maybe they do make great wedding gifts.
