When and How to Mulch Hostas

Native to Asia, hostas come from an environment where they get 62 inches of rain a year. There are few other parts of the world that can match that level of water. However, that does not mean it isn’t possible to grow hostas almost anywhere in the world. There are varieties that are hardy under most conditions as long as a little care is taken. One of the easiest ways to encourage hosta growth and health is to mulch around the plant.

When to Mulch Hostas

The ground around hostas should be mulched twice a year.

In the spring, a fresh layer of mulch will retain moisture in the soil as the plant begins its first growth of the year. Mulch will also slowly add nutrients to the soil, a bonus over anything added by fertilizer.

In the fall, a layer of mulch should be added when the leaves of the hosta are cut back for the winter. The mulch will slowly compost over the winter, introducing nutrients to the soil. It will also help keep the soil temperature more stable and prevent frost damage to the plant or heaving of the soil, which can do major damage to the roots and crown of hostas.

How to Mulch a Single Hosta

Cover the ground under the leaf mound in a ring of mulch. If the mulch covers as far as the leaves will when fully grown, then there will be mulch covering the full expanse of the root structure. With large hostas this may be further than expected, so feel free to cover more ground with mulch. Avoid covering the crown, the part of the plant that connects the roots and the leaves. If the crown is covered, the plant will be at risk for a number of diseases and the stems of the leaves will be at risk for rot as they grow.

How to Mulch a Group of Hostas

Whether alone or together, the ground under the leaf mounds should be mulched. Extend the mulch further to create a border around the hostas if desired, but be sure not to cover the crowns.

How Much Mulch to Apply

A little mulch will retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil. A lot of mulch will encourage fungal diseases and provide a home for pests that find hostas very tasty. The larger size hostas should be surrounded by mulch about an inch deep. Smaller hostas only need about 3/16 of an inch of mulch.

What Kind of Mulch?

The best mulch for any garden will depend on what is readily available in the area. Some use home made mulch, others prefer what is commercially available. Look for what options are around. Also consider the facts below for added advice.

• Pine straw and cocoa mulch are said to cut down on slug problems.
• Shredded hardwood can improve water retention.
• Shredded leaves as mulch sometimes is found to attract more slugs.

Mulching Hostas in Pots

Whether the potted hosta is kept indoors or out, a little mulch can help produce the best growth. Potted plants can be even more at risk for drying out, especially indoors where moisture is drawn out by air conditioning and heating. Go ahead and add some mulch to protect the soil.

However, with smaller hostas, alone or in clusters in a pot, the look of mulch around the plants may be unappealing. For a more decorative look, consider using gravel as a mulch. While it will not add nutrients, it will help retain moisture. Potted hostas should be fertilized more than hostas in the ground anyway given the way the water passing through the soil will leach nutrients.