We have seen several samples this year of various problems with hostas. While hostas are relatively easy plants to grow, there are areas that they may not like or scenarios that may not allow them to grow to their full potential.
Slugs love hostas, and many other plants that grow in cool moist areas. Within the next couple of weeks, we are going to start to see small holes covering our hosta leaves. Slugs love wet, cool conditions which are the prime conditions for hostas to grow. It is not easy to dry out hosta planting beds, to deter slugs from inhabiting, but you can bait slugs to get rid of them. Sluggo is granular product that will bait and kill slugs. Reapplication is needed for season long control.
Browning of hosta edges has many homeowners concerned about diseases. While yes, that is a very valid concern, it may also be irregular watering as well as too much sun exposure. Hostas require moist soil for optimum growth but should be planted in well-draining soil as well as less than 6 hours of direct sunlight, some varieties prefer much less than that.
If your hostas, or any other of your plants are starting to show a white film on your plants powdery mildew is most likely the problem. Powdery mildew occurs on a variety of plants due to water being on the foliage for long periods of time and high humidity. Once started it can be difficult to control, but using fungicides such as Fertilome Fungicide 5 can help prevent it.
The beauty and ease of care of hostas strongly outweigh the few drawbacks they may have. Watering correctly, placing them in the correct spot and watching for slugs will reduce many of the common problems homeowners experience, helping your hostas stay healthy and beautiful throughout the growing season.
