Hostas are among the most popular perennials for shaded landscapes, known for their varied foliage and low-maintenance requirements. They are often acquired as bare roots—dormant plants shipped without soil around their root systems, typically in early spring or fall. A bare root hosta is a living root structure, sometimes with visible “eyes” or buds, that is ready to be planted directly into the garden. This planting method allows the roots to quickly establish contact with the soil, leading to robust growth once dormancy breaks.
Preparing the Site and Bare Roots
Hostas thrive in areas that receive partial to full shade. Site selection requires avoiding harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage, especially on varieties with lighter-colored or variegated leaves. The ideal location offers morning sun and protection from the intense heat of the late day.
The soil must be rich in organic matter and reliably well-draining, as hostas will not tolerate saturated, heavy clay that can lead to root rot. Amending the planting area with several inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting helps improve both fertility and soil structure. This preparation ensures the roots have access to adequate moisture and necessary aeration for healthy development.
Before placing the bare roots into the prepared site, they require hydration to awaken them from dormancy. Submerging the entire root mass in lukewarm water for 30 to 60 minutes helps rehydrate the tissues. This soaking process replaces moisture lost during packaging and shipping, reducing transplant shock and promoting a quicker establishment once planted.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
With the site and roots prepared, the next step is to dig the planting hole. The hole should be significantly wider than the spread of the roots, often twice the width, to encourage outward growth into the surrounding soil. The depth should allow the crown of the plant to rest precisely at the surrounding soil level.
The crown is the area where the roots transition into the stems and future leaves; planting it too deeply can lead to crown rot. Build a small mound of soil in the center of the hole to help position the plant. Carefully spread the roots out over this mound, pointing downward and outward like the spokes of a wheel.
Holding the plant at the crown, gently backfill the hole with the amended soil, ensuring the soil filters down and around all the root strands. As you backfill, periodically firm the soil lightly to collapse any large air pockets that could dry out the roots. The entire root system must be covered, with the crown positioned precisely at or slightly above the final soil grade.
Ensure that no soil covers the crown itself, which is the point of new growth emergence. This careful placement ensures that the nascent buds, or “eyes,” are exposed to the environment, which is necessary for them to break dormancy and send up new shoots. Proper depth is a determining factor in the plant’s initial health and its ability to establish quickly.
Post-Planting Care for Establishment
Immediately after planting, water deeply and thoroughly to settle the soil firmly around the roots. This initial soaking helps eliminate any remaining small air pockets and provides the bare root with immediate access to moisture. Watering is the most important factor in the first year of establishment, as the root system is not yet extensive enough to seek out water deep in the soil.
Consistent moisture is required during the first growing season, often necessitating daily watering for the initial few weeks, especially in warm weather. Newly planted bare roots require more frequent attention than established hostas to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent certain fungal issues.
Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the planted area helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture. A layer approximately two inches deep is beneficial, but pull the mulch back a few inches from the crown of the plant. Allowing mulch to contact the crown can trap excessive moisture, potentially leading to rot or creating a favorable environment for pests.
Slugs and snails are common pests highly attracted to the tender, emerging foliage of hostas. Monitor the new shoots closely for signs of damage, such as irregularly shaped holes in the leaves. Addressing these pests early helps ensure that the new plant can focus its energy on developing a strong root system and healthy leaves.