[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_ src=”https://urban-haven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hosta-scaled.jpg” alt=”hostas” title_text=”hosta” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”f20ca99c-4c34-4552-88bc-2d0c2625cf3f” width=”95%” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Hostas have been a landscaping staple for many years. I remember my mom planting tons of Hostas in the 90’s. They were kind of the go-to for shade.
Last year I replaced some Hostas in my landscaping with some native plants. I put the Hostas on the curb, free to anyone who wanted them, and they were gone in minutes!
Hostas are a popular landscaping plant, prized for their attractive foliage and ability to thrive in shade. However their lush leaves and mounded shape make them easy to confuse with several common weeds. Learning to identify hosta look-alikes is key to keeping your garden free of unwanted plants.
Why Identifying Hosta Weeds Matters
Properly identifying plants that resemble hostas enables you to take the appropriate action Removing true weeds prevents them from competing with desired plants for light, space, water, and nutrients Leaving them to grow allows them to potentially take over your garden beds.
On the other hand, misidentifying a real hosta as a weed and pulling it up results in losing a plant you want to keep. It takes vigilance and care to eliminate unwanted vegetation while sparing intended greenery.
Features of Hostas vs Weeds
Hostas and hosta-like weeds share some visual similarities but also have key differences that can aid in telling them apart
-
Leaf size – Hosta leaves are much larger, typically reaching 60+ cm long and 30+ cm wide depending on variety. Weed leaves tend to be smaller.
-
Leaf thickness – Hosta foliage is more substantial and stiff while weed leaves are often delicate and flexible.
-
Flowers – Weeds produce smaller, less showy flowers than hostas.
-
Leaf texture – Hosta leaves have a smooth, shiny surface while many weed leaves are relatively rough or matte.
-
Growth habit – Hostas grow in a mounded clump form while weeds may spread by above ground stolons or underground rhizomes.
Common Hosta Look-Alike Weeds
Some of the most frequent hosta imposters include:
-
Violets – Small, heart-shaped leaves with purple flowers on a spreading plant.
-
False Solomon’s Seal – Alternating elongated leaves along a zig-zagging stem with small greenish-white flowers.
-
Astilbe – Ferny foliage and showy feathery pink or white plumes of tiny flowers.
-
Ferns – Lacy, delicate looking foliage that unfolds from fiddleheads. No flowers.
-
Ajuga – Low mounds of small round leaves on a spreading plant with blue flower spikes.
-
Lily of the Valley – Clumping plant with long oval leaves and dangling white bell flowers.
Removing Hosta Look-Alike Weeds
Eliminating unwanted weeds quickly before they spread is key. Here are some tips:
-
Hand pull small weed plants, grasping low and removing the entire root system.
-
For larger weeds, use a dandelion digger tool to extract the plant plus roots.
-
Apply spot treatments of herbicide to weeds taking care to avoid contact with desired plants.
-
Improve conditions for hostas by fertilizing, removing debris, and thinning or dividing crowded clumps.
-
Use mulch around hostas to suppress weeds. Leave space between the plant crown and mulch.
-
Edge garden beds to maintain a clear boundary between desired plants and surrounding weedy growth.
How to Differentiate Hosta Varieties
With over 5,000 named hosta cultivars, telling them apart can also be tricky. Here are some tips:
-
Examine leaf characteristics like color, shape, corrugation, and variegation patterns.
-
Note differences in plant size, flowering traits, and growth habits.
-
Identify when the variety was introduced and by which nursery.
-
Check reputable sources that list key details about hosta varieties.
-
Label plants immediately after purchasing or dividing to avoid future confusion.
When in Doubt, Wait it Out
If an unknown plant could be either a weed or a hosta, don’t rush to pull it. Wait until it matures enough to properly identify it before taking action. Leaving a small weed isn’t ideal but better than mistakenly removing a desired plant.
Patience, close observation, and diligent removal of true weeds can help you successfully cultivate a flourishing hosta collection. You’ll be rewarded with the sight of the lush, graceful plants you intended without the distraction of look-alike imposters.
Why do we want to replace Hostas with native plants?
Because Hostas are native to Asia, they did not co-evolve with any species here in North America. This means that they are extremely widespread, but very underutilized by our native insects. They aren’t adding any real value to our landscape.
When compiling this list, I looked for native plants that have a similar height and shade tolerance to Hostas so they could be easily replaced. All of the plants listed below will be a great substitute or alternative to the Hosta, without sacrificing on looks!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”All of the plants listed here can be purchased from Garden for Wildlife” button_url=”https://fundraising.gardenforwildlife.com/uNad0Ymv” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Garden for Wildlife” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” header_font_size=”20px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” module_alignment=”center” height=”175px” max_height=”693px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_module=”2958″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”50px||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Are Hostas native to North America?
Hostas are not native to North America, and are actually introduced from northeast Asia. They were introduced in North America in the early 1800’s. Since that time, they have become one of the most popular and best-selling perennials here. There are many things to like about Hostas:
- They are easy to care for and thrive in many conditions.
- There are more than 6,000 varieties, making it easy for the novice landscaper to find a Hosta that will fit any landscape need.
- If you want great looking tropical foliage, the Hosta delivers.
- Most Hostas are only 1-2′ tall and have a clumping form which make them a great choice for the garden border, but can fit in almost any garden bed with the correct light requirements.
Weeds and Hostas
FAQ
What plant looks like a hosta but isn t?
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior, zones 8 to 10) and its relatives, which have broad straplike foliage very similar to many hostas and are appropriate for warmer climates.
How do I tell what is eating my hostas?
Slug and snail damage
These mollusks love hosta leaves. Since slugs are nocturnal and hide during the day, gardeners may not see the slugs themselves but only the evidence of their feeding. Look for smooth but irregular holes along leaf edges or between veins.
What kills weeds but not hostas?
What is a native alternative to hostas?
Several native plants can serve as attractive alternatives to hostas, offering similar shade-loving, groundcover characteristics with added ecological benefits. Some excellent choices include mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), and foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia).
What are the tiniest Hosta plants?
Among the tiniest Hostas, the Blue Mouse Ears reaches a maximum length of 2-4 inches and features rounded, blue-green leaves. The plant’s size makes it perfect for growing in a container as well. Bridal Falls Hosta is a visually arresting plant with distinctive edges and vibrant veins.
What are the best Hosta companion plants?
Hostas are reliable perennials with impressive foliage that thrive in shade gardens. There are many plants with similar growing needs that pair well with hostas. Here are suggestions for some of the best hosta companion plants to grow. 1. Astilbe (Astilbe) Showy plumes in colors of red, pink, purple or white bloom above lacy foliage in summer.
What plants grow like hostas?
Shrubs that thrive in growing conditions similar to hostas include azalea, camellia, daphne, fothergilla, hydrangea, mountain laurel (Kalmia), pieris, rhododendron, spirea, sweetshrub (Calycanthus), sweet spire (Itea) and viburnum. Want to learn more?
What does a hosta plant look like?
This Hosta cultivar features beautiful foliage with leather-like texture and heart-shaped leaves. Bright yellow in the middle, it turns a gorgeous chartreuse color. With wide dark green edges and creamy lime-green leaves, this thick plant resembles a spherical mound. Bell-shaped lavender flowers are another feature of this species.
Do hostas like Sun?
Growing plants similar to hostas that like sun is sometimes the only choice if you have a sunny garden – an infamous adversary of the shade-loving perennial. Here, you will learn about a few attractive alternatives to growing hostas in the scorching sun outside a shade garden.
What plants should I replace my hostas with?
I replaced my Hostas with Self-Heal Plant, Elm-Leaved Goldenrod, Hairy Wood Mint, Downy Wood Mint, and Calico Aster. There are plenty of other native plant species you can use that aren’t on this list!