Many plants went into winter feeling the stress of drought conditions. In spite of late-season waterings, chanted incantations (“live, live, live!”) and crossed fingers, warmer weather has revealed some winter kill or damage to perennials, shrubs and trees, especially arborvitae. And I’m still cursing the bunnies who chomped two new spireas into toothpicks.
Hostas, though, just keep coming back. Like lilac bushes, you can’t kill ’em with a stick. These herbaceous perennials are highly prized for their foliage, the sheer number of color, leaf shape and texture variations, and low-maintenance behavior.
Nine new varieties will be available at Green Scene’s 37th annual Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the garden building on the National Cattle Congress grounds. They include “Afterglow” featuring large heart-shaped leaves with wide yellow margins in an upright mound; “Andrew,” a unique tri-color hosta with puckered, folded and ruffled leaves; and “Golden Needles,” a mini with yellow leaves streaked in green.
At least 30 named varieties (and countless bags o’nameless hostas) will be sold at the sale, making choices tough. Green Scene has made it easier with a hosta-filled shade garden design. In addition, members have created a low-water garden design for plants better able to handle drought. All varieties will be at the plant sale.
Hosta-filled Shade Garden (newer varieties)
A. Astilbe “Sprite” — Dwarf, shell pink plumes
B. Hosta “Ice Follies” — Dark green, creamy-white margins
C. Hosta “First Frost” — Blue-green, gold margin that turns white
D. Hosta “Dreamweaver” — Corrugated leaves, contrasting white centers
E. Hosta “Captain Kirk” — Splashy gold, green edges
F. Hosta “Devil’s Advocate” — Heart-shaped, tall and upright
Note: Plant in multiples to fill space.
Hosta-filled Shade Garden
(traditional varieties)
A. Heuchera “Palace Purple” — Purple-leafed coral bells
B. Hosta “Antioch” — Green white margins
C. Hosta “Halcyon” — Among best blue hosta cultivars
D. Hosta “Tokudama Aureonebulosa” — Chartreuse in spring, blue-green margin
E. Hosta “Paul’s Glory” — Blue-green margins, chartreuse centers
F. Hosta “Undulata” — Wavy leaves, twisted at the tips.
Note: Plant in multiples to fill space.
Low-Water Garden
A. Snow-in-summer
B. Ice Plant “Fire Spinner”
C. Sedum “Autumn Joy”
D. Miscanthus sinensis “Morning Light”
E. Liatrus “Squarrosa”
F. Ratibida or Mexican Hat, red variety
G. Gaillardia “Arizona Apricot”
H. Geum “Prairie Smoke”
I. Lady’s mantle
J. Dead Nettle “Chequers”
K. Penstemon “Silverton”
L. Sedum “Frosty Morn”
M. Coneflower “Pow Wow Wild Berry”
N. Aster “Woods ink”
0. Lamb’s ear “Fuzzy Wuzzy”
Note: Plant in multiples to fill space
Hosta tips
— Hostas grow in well-drained, average soil enriched with organic matter.
— Apply a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer at half the rate in spring. Stop fertilizing after mid-summer or growth will be soft and vulnerable to disease, slugs and snails.
— Water an inch per week, more if the weather is scorching, at base and around plants.
— Plant, transplant or divide in early fall or spring before leaves unfold. Keep plant and roots moist. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 1 1/2 times as wide as its diameter. The crown should be planted at soil level. Water at least 1 gallon a day until plants are established.
Tips for low-water gardening
— Choose drought-tolerant and/or native plants that thrive in low-water conditions.
— Water until plants are established for first two years. Eventually plants can rely on rainfall, with supplemental watering as needed.
— Incorporate organic matter into soil for water retention. Water deeply and infrequently to force plants to root deeply.
— Mulch with a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch.
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