Success?

Has anyone had any success growing Hostas? I am in Vista, CA. My neighbor says she has never had any luck with hostas. I just planted several varieties in a new flower bed with a full shade northern exposure. I am hoping this will help keep them cool and moist through the summer. So far, so good - they are all peeking out of the ground already.

Hostas are what I call an \"envy plant\" for Southern Californians because we always want what we can't grow!
However, they are very popular and they are gorgeous foliage plants for shady places and commercial growers are always trying to extend the growing areas of popular plants.
Sunset mentions that some of the new hybrids will grow in Zones 23 and 24 (most of San Diego) but that performance varies.
They mention one species, Hosta plantaginea which is adapted to this area.
I'd suggest going to a good local nursery near you, (such as Walter Andersen's or Buena Creek Gardens)and quizzing their trained staff as to the plants which have been successfully grown in this area.
Be sure you water your hosta regularly.

Thank you! Hosta was a favorite plant for my Mom. She had them in Indiana, and they were fully naturalized in her yard. Well, Toto, we are not in Kansas (slash / Indiana) any more! I did plant them anyway, and - hooray - they have ALL sprouted. They are under an eave on the north side of my house. So, they are truly in full shade. My challenge now is to not allow they to be TOO WET, so they won't rot. If they do, I might consider trying one as a patio container plant.

I have not seen them at local nurseries. But, I will continue to look. What I planted are Blue Mountains, Sieboldiana Elegans, Fortunei Hyacinthina, Blue Boy, Sun & Substance, Fortunei Patriot, Sieboldiana Francis Williams and Wide Brim. Yes, I know. This is a rather large bed of Hosta for an experiment.

The foliage is already remarkable - showing color variegations and the blues have already taken on their distinctive color. Just gorgeous.

Ever hopeful!

I love Hostas but I live in Wood Village Oregon and they trive here. there are so many Hostas its unbelievable. I have had my Hostas for 7 years now and I have had no problems. The only thing with hostas is slugs There are some hostas that like the sun and part sun and of course the shade. All I do with my hostas is check for slugs often and keep them water well. I love them there my favorite:)[img size=0.99mb] 1299.photobuck [img size=0.99mb] 1299.photobuck [/img][/img]

I am in Missouri and this is the first time I have grown Hosta (10 years now) and I love them. What a perfect way to cover those bare shady spots under trees. It make the lawn look so groomed with so little effort.

Yes I love them:) I cant believe how well my hostas do in containers. I have had more success with my hostas then any other plant or flower expect million bells:)