Hostas are classic shade garden plants prized for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shady spots. But despite their popularity there is often confusion about hosta “bulbs” and what they actually look like. Read on for a beginner’s guide to understanding hosta bulbs and their growth habits.
Hostas Are Not True Bulbs
First, it’s important to clarify that hostas are not technically true bulbs True bulbs, like tulips, daffodils and crocuses, have a rounded structure comprised of fleshy scales or modified leaves that contain all the parts necessary for the plant’s growth and reproduction.
Hostas do not possess this classic bulb structure. Instead they are herbaceous perennials that grow from a crown and root system. So what gardeners often refer to as “hosta bulbs” are in fact crowns, rhizomes (underground stems) or tubers.
What Does a Hosta “Bulb” Look Like?
Hosta “bulbs” come in a few forms:
Hosta Crowns
The crown is the part of the hosta where the roots and shoots meet. Hosta crowns are often divided to propagate new plants. They look like thick, knobby root masses with dormant buds on the top surface where this year’s shoots will emerge. The crown sits just below soil level.
Hosta Rhizomes
Rhizomes are modified underground stems that store energy and have nodes from which new shoots arise. Hosta rhizomes grow laterally just under the soil surface and generate new shoots and roots. They look like knobby horizontal roots.
Hosta Tubers
Some hostas produce tubers, which are enlarged fleshy roots that store food and nutrients Hosta tubers are rounded, knobby structures that develop at the end of normal roots.
How Are Hostas Grown and Propagated?
Because they lack a traditional bulb structure, hostas are not grown from bulbs. There are two main ways to propagate hostas
Planting Bare Root Divisions
The most common method is planting bare root hosta divisions. These are sections of the hosta plant dug from the ground containing part of the crown and some roots. Bare root hostas come dormant, without foliage, and the divisions are 2-5 eyes or growth points.
To propagate hostas this way, divide existing plants in spring or fall by cutting apart the crowns. Replant the divided sections in the garden or containers. With this bare root method, each eye should develop into a new shoot.
Planting Potted Hostas
Hostas are also commonly sold as young potted plants. These are actively growing plants started in pots from tissue culture, seed, or divisions. Buying potted hostas allows you to acquire named cultivars and established plants that are already growing.
Caring for Hosta Bulbs
To help your new hosta crowns, rhizomes or tubers thrive, follow these care tips:
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Plant in early spring once the soil has warmed. Or plant in fall 6-8 weeks before first frost.
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Prepare a planting bed enriched with compost and keep soil moist but not soggy.
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Set crowns or tubers just below the surface with the top of the crown emerging 1-2 inches above soil level.
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Water thoroughly after planting and mist frequently until new shoots appear.
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Apply general purpose fertilizer a few weeks after planting when plants are growing.
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Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
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Divide when plants get overcrowded, usually every 3-5 years.
The key takeaway is that hostas do not have a true bulb structure. What we call “hosta bulbs” are actually crowns, rhizomes or tubers that should be planted just below the soil surface. With proper planting and care, hosta crowns and rhizomes will thrive, providing years of lush foliage in shady garden spots. Understanding their unique growth habit helps ensure success growing these popular perennials.
Hostas for Sale from K. van BourgondienWith their array of foliage colors and sizes, hostas are a favorite perennial for shaded areas. They can be used as accent plants, ground covers and in
How long does it take for hosta bulbs to come up?
FAQ
Do hostas have bulbs?
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True Bulbs:Bulbs are underground storage organs, typically with fleshy leaves and a central bud, which are used for reproduction and survival. Examples include tulips, daffodils, and lilies.
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Hosta “Bulbs”:Hostas, on the other hand, have a rhizomatous root system. This means they have horizontal underground stems (rhizomes) that can spread and produce new shoots.
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Bare Roots:When you buy hostas as “bulbs,” you are actually receiving the bare roots or rhizomes of the plant. These are the underground parts that will develop into new shoots and foliage.
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Planting:You plant the bare roots, which are the dormant root portions of the plant, in the ground. They are typically shipped as bare root plants and should be planted as soon as possible.
What does the root of a hosta look like?
These inch or so very shiny bright, white roots are stretching down from the base of the hosta crown above last year’s roots. Yes, hostas actually grow themselves up out of the ground each year making new rings of roots above the old ones like adding floors to an apartment building under construction.
How long does it take for a hosta bulb to grow?
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Eden Brothershttps://grow.edenbrothers.comHow to Plant Hosta Roots – Eden Brothers Planting GuidesFor planting in the Fall, plant your Hostas in Fall 2-3 weeks before the soil freezes. … 4-6 hrs. … Hosta blooms typically occur mid-summer. … It takes 4-
Do hosta bulbs multiply?
Hostas are clump forming perennials; by this we mean that they will grow into a round clump rather than spread. They will grow outwards until they reach their full size at which time they will simply maintain their shade and size.
Can you grow a hosta from a bulb?
Hostas are a beautiful addition to any garden and while it can be hard to figure out the best way to start your hosta, it’s actually much easier and cheaper to start off with a hosta bulb as compared to a nursery plant. QUICK ANSWER: You can easily grow hostas from bulbs if you follow the recommendations in this article.
What does a hosta plant look like?
A hosta plant, such as this Hosta cultivar, features beautiful foliage with leather-like texture and heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are bright yellow in the middle, turning to a gorgeous chartreuse color, with wide dark green edges and creamy lime-green leaves. The plant resembles a spherical mound.
Are Hosta bulbs a tulip or daffodil?
Hosta bulbs are not true plant “bulbs”, in the sense that they don’t have true bulb protective covering (like a tulip or a daffodil bulb). Because they lack this coating, they can dry out easily and can transplant more easily into the soil if soaked for an hour or two before planting.
How do I choose a hosta bulb?
1. Selecting the Right Hosta Bulb: Before diving into the planting process, it’s essential to choose the right hosta bulb. Consider the following factors: Opt for healthy bulbs: Look for firm, plump bulbs without any visible signs of damage or decay. Choose the right variety: Hostas come in a range of sizes, colors, and leaf shapes.
Do hostas grow in shade?
In-store hosta bulbs are sometimes stocked alongside spring-planted flowering bulbs instead of near the potted hostas (although both types of hostas can be planted in a similar manner). Most hostas grow best in the shade. They generally thrive in partial shade, but can also be grown in full shade or even in partial sun.
How long does it take a hosta bulb to grow?
Most hostas generally take 4 to 10 weeks to start growing from a bulb, they most likely won’t bloom flowers in the first year of being planted. We’ve gone over how to plant hosta bulbs, the best places for them to be planted, and now we’ll learn the best way to care for hosta bulbs. The sun is the source of life on earth.