Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ is a popular perennial known for its appealing foliage and adaptability. It enhances shaded areas, and its robust nature and unique appearance make it widely appealing.
Distinctive Characteristics
Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ has thick, cupped, heart-shaped leaves. The foliage emerges a vibrant chartreuse green, gradually transitioning to a rich golden yellow as the season progresses. These leaves overlap at varying angles, creating a somewhat informal and textured form.
The plant typically forms a medium-sized mound, reaching heights of 12 to 24 inches and spreading up to 24 inches wide. In mid to late summer, bell-shaped, pale lavender flowers emerge, adding a subtle floral accent. The thick leaves offer natural resistance to slugs.
Growing and Care
Light Requirements
Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ thrives in partial to full shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. While it tolerates some direct sunlight, particularly morning sun, intense afternoon sun can lead to leaf scorch or bleaching. Golden varieties like ‘Glad Tidings’ can tolerate up to six hours of dappled sunlight, more than bluer types.
Soil Preferences
This plant prefers well-drained, consistently moist soil that is rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH range for hostas is between 6.0 and 7.5. It tolerates various soil types—acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy—if they provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Hostas require plenty of moisture, especially during hot or dry weather. Newly planted hostas need deep watering two to three times weekly for the first few weeks to ensure consistent moisture. Established plants typically need about one inch of water weekly, increasing during warmer conditions. Direct root zone watering prevents fungal issues and ensures sufficient hydration.
Fertilization
Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ is a light to moderate feeder, benefiting from early spring fertilization as new leaves emerge. A slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 5-5-5) applied once yearly is generally sufficient. For optimal growth, some fertilize every four to six weeks during active foliage growth. Adding compost to the soil annually can also provide a steady supply of nutrients and improve soil quality.
Temperature and Hardiness
Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. They require a dormancy period of at least 30 days below 43°F. While tolerant of cold, temperatures below 28°F can cause damage, and extreme heat above 95°F can also be detrimental. Applying a two-inch layer of mulch during the first winter offers additional protection, which should be removed promptly in early spring.
Propagation and Division
Division is the primary method for propagating Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ and rejuvenates older plants. The best times are spring, as new shoots emerge, or fall, before the first hard frost. Spring division allows the plant ample time to establish itself before the summer heat.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the entire clump, then gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Separate by hand or with a clean, sharp knife or spade, ensuring each new section has roots and a crown or bud. Replant these divisions with the crown about one inch below the soil surface, then water thoroughly to settle the soil. Division every three to four years can help maintain plant vigor.
Addressing Common Challenges
Common issues for Hosta ‘Glad Tidings’ include pests and environmental stressors. Slugs and snails create irregular holes and leave slime trails. Baited or beer traps can manage these pests, and ‘Glad Tidings’ thick leaves offer some natural resistance.
Deer, rabbits, and voles can cause significant damage by eating foliage or roots. Physical barriers or repellents can help protect plants from these larger animals.
Fungal diseases such as anthracnose can appear as irregular spots, particularly in warm, wet conditions, while Hosta Virus X (HVX) causes mottled or distorted leaves, for which there is no cure. Proper plant spacing for air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can prevent fungal issues.
Sun scorch, an environmental stress, results in browning or bleached leaves from too much direct sun. Providing adequate shade is important to prevent this damage.