The popularity of these plants is on the rise, and they’re not just for gardens. They can be used as accents in your beautiful raised beds, or even to create a shady welcome spot in your backyard!
Some people grow plantain lilies – in containers, but keep them outside so that the plants can have some extra height. Others do it for moving their pots around or even bringing this type indoors during certain seasons where there is not enough sun light to support its growth and development.
But most importantly, growing hostas in containers lets you beautify your patio or yard in the most stunning way!
Let’s dive into the most important tips and tricks for growing your own Hostas in containers.
Choose a Good Container
Hostas come in a wide variety of sizes, so I suggest selecting your plant first and then deciding on the container. That is, unless you have an especially pretty pot already that you want to use. If not there’s always some cute ones out their, so we are sure it won’t be hard to find one!
Before we jump in, just be aware that hostas generally grow to a smaller size when planted in containers. This can have advantages for some people and disadvantages too!
Plantain lilies have wide roots that grow horizontally as far the foliage does, but not as deep. The ideal container for these plants is one with an open space at least four inches wider than their height so they can spread out and take up more room in your garden or flower pot while still remaining compact due to their large size requirements.
Make sure to choose a pot that is wider than it is deep, or with at least the same depth and width. You can use an even taller pot but you’ll need divide more often since roots won’t fill lower portion of your soil mixture if using one like this!
Densely packing an empty liter-size bottle in the bottom of your pot is a great way to create instant height for planting. Make sure you don’t crush any delicate plants and that there are no cracks where water can enter, otherwise they may wilt from lack of air circulation as well!
You want to make sure you’re using the right pot for your plant. You should use a container for the plant size at the moment, not the size it is supposed to reach. You should use a three inch deep container with about an inch of space between its bottom and sides at this point.
Hostas like their roots to stay cool, so don’t pick a black or metal container. You might also want to avoid clay on concrete because this material can crack and split in the winter; though you may find some glazed types that are guaranteed not do this for up ten years (decade). Consider using recycled plastic pots as they’re better than regular ones.
Use the Right Soil
One of the best things about growing in containers is that you don’t have to worry about perfecting soil like when cultivating your garden on land. You can simply buy quality potting mix for starting plants, and hostas require well-draining earth with plenty of nutrients so they’ll thrive without any issues at all!
Rice hulls are an excellent alternative to wheat or corn for those who care about the environment, as it takes less land and water resources. Additionally they’re much cheaper!
How to Grow
Plantain lilies need a good amount of moisture to survive. This is why they do so well in some shade, but can dry out more quickly than the ground if not careful with watering your potted plants and pots.
The most important thing to keep in mind when growing plants is providing enough water. In dry areas, where it’s not uncommon for there to be little-to-no rain all summer long; your pot might need an extra help of good H2O during those hot months!
The best way to water your plants is by making sure that you are watering at the soil level and not on top of their leaves. You might want invest in drip irrigation if these types of conditions make it difficult for you. Or, consider a self-watering container as an option too!
Make sure you add a layer of natural mulch like straw, coffee hulls or pea gravel to the top so your plant has everything it needs and can thrive.
Maintain Your Plants
There are a few things to consider when it comes time for your plants to be repoted. First, make sure that you have the right container size on hand; even with tiny hostas dividing can get messy!
Second- most importantly of all is making sure there isn’t any drying up or browning at root level – this could happen if they were left too long without water before being transplanted into their new homes. To repot, use a larger container than the one you are using at the moment.
Once you have removed the plant from its pot, grab around and wiggle out any soil that is still in there. Next up is knocking away all of those dead roots which will be hard work but we’ve got it part way done already!
Repotting is a great way to revitalize your plants! Roots coming out of the drainage hole or circling up in soil can mean it’s time for repotting.
Make sure you don’t reposition roots so that they go completely around their own circumference before reaching an edge; this might cause damage from being too long and developing knots where there was none before.
It’s important to fertilize potted plants more frequently than those in the ground, as containers tend not to hold onto nutrients for long.
Use a balanced fertilizer designed for use on container plants. You can choose either slow-release or standard, but be sure to apply it at least once per month so that your hostas stay healthy and green!
When it comes to winter care, you don’t want to bring your plants indoors into a heated home. Plantain lilies need at least one month below 40°F in order for them not only to survive but also to grow well during dormancy periods!
If you want to provide winter protection, move your pots of plants into a sheltered spot like the garage or shed.
To do this successfully it is important not only that they have water but also NOT too much because dormant plants need less than actively growing ones. Once their soil dries out completely give them one more drink!
Best Uses
Container plants are the perfect thing if you want to bring color and texture into your home.
Hostas in particular make a lovely statement flanking an entrance with their long, narrow leaves that provide shade for anyone who comes through it from hot rays of sunlight or harsh winter storms!
Groupings of potted hostas make a beautiful focal point. Some varieties stand out because they have variegated leaves or impressive blossoms, but any type will look great in the right surroundings!
And really, don’t forget the flowers. While it may be difficult to top greenery for a landscape design idea; some hostas have large highly scented blooms that provide an excellent feast of senses when placed near seating areas so you can enjoy them too!
Cultivars to Select
Hostas are some of the most interesting plants you can grow in a container, and they come in all colors of green.
However, it is important to choose wisely since larger varieties won’t ever reach their full potential size if kept indoors due to lack space on your windowsill or patio table for them.
Plantain lily plants are one of the most popular types to use in a container, but there are some differences between them. For example, if you plan to grow your plant with other small or miniature flowers then opt for those varieties which have thin green leaves and wavy margins like ‘Dragon Tails’.
Shadowland “Hudson Bay” is a cool-looking plant with deep green leaves that give off the impression of depth. The plants have blue, matte texture and cream stripes down their center when they’re positioned correctly in your container or on display as shown above! These do great in containers!
Mini hostas are so small that they can be put in unusual containers such as the aforementioned pitchers and old wood tool boxes, but if you want to keep them dry then make sure there’s drainage holes.
Container gardening is a great way to share your passion for hostas with friends and family. It’s also the perfect solution if you want more variety in planting spaces, or have trouble keeping voles at bay!