Hosta in Pots - The Ultimate Growing Guide from Proven Winners

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Hostas are one of the most beloved shade-loving garden plants, valued for the attractive foliage in a range of colors and shapes. This herbaceous perennial can be grown in pots where space is limited, such as a shady patio, deck or apartment balcony. 

Hostas in pots are a versatile decorative element, whether used as a dynamic focal point or grouped with other plants for a lush display. Pots can be moved around during the growing season for a fresh look. Gardeners love hostas for their ease of growing, reliability, and stunning foliage. Hostas in containers may have different growing needs than those in the ground. Here’s how to grow hostas in planters, along with some of the best varieties and how to display them in your yard.

“My mama, whose yard is full of shade, has had great success with hostas in containers. So think outside the box. Maybe you have an area under a tree where you can’t plant because of all the roots. Just put a nice big container there and fill it with hostas or other shade perennials. You’ll love it.”

—Jenny Simpson, Gardening with Creekside

HOW TO CARE FOR HOSTAS IN POTS 

When caring for hostas in pots, provide the right growing conditions for lush, healthy plants. Follow these tips on how to grow and care for hostas in pots. 

When to plant

When growing hostas in pots, plant during cooler months in spring or fall. Wait until all danger of frost is past in your area. 

Light

Choose a site with morning sunlight and protection from hot afternoon sun. Too much sun can cause brown or bleached leaves. Hostas can tolerant full shade, but will have the best coloring and flowering with some direct sun. Some varieties are more sun tolerant than others. 

Soil

Hosta plants thrive in rich, well-draining soil. For pots, use an all-purpose potting mix rather than garden soil. 

Fertilizer

When planted in a high-quality potting mix, hostas in pots need little supplemental fertilizer. In early spring, mix a granular all-purpose time-release fertilizer into the soil according to package directions. 

Watering

Hostas prefer regular water and evenly moist soil. Plants in containers dry out more quickly than those in the ground. Water more frequently during prolonged heat or dry spells. Too little water can result in brown foliage. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot or other diseases. To see if your potted hosta needs watering, stick your finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.

“To keep my potted hostas hydrated, I run a drip irrigation kit to each pot and that keeps them from drying out during the heat of summer.”

—Stacy Ling, Bricks 'n Blooms

Pruning

This low-maintenance foliage plant needs little or no pruning. Cut off dead or damaged leaves as they occur. Remove spent flowers to neaten appearance. 

Repotting

Hostas can be repotted every few years to replenish the soil. Plants can be divided at this time if they have outgrown their containers. The best time to repot hostas is in early spring before new growth emerges, or in fall after plants have gone dormant. 

How to choose the right pot

Hostas can be grown in any type of pot, including terra cotta, ceramic, stone, plastic, fiberglass or composite materials. The best pots for hostas will be made of high quality, durable materials such as fiberglass or resin that withstand different weather conditions. Terra cotta and ceramic pots may crack during freeze/thaw cycles. Lightweight pots such as plastic or fiberglass are easier to move around, but may be prone to tipping over if plants are top-heavy. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Select pots that will complement your home and garden style.

PLANTING HOSTAS IN POTS 

Wait until all danger of frost is past in your area before planting hostas in a pot. Follow these planting steps: 

1. Place a layer of fresh potting soil in the bottom of the pot.
2. Remove the hosta from its nursery container and gently loosen roots if potbound.
3. Place the hosta in the pot so the crown is 1 to 2 inches below the rim of the pot.
4. Add more potting soil around the root ball up to the crown. Gently tamp down to remove air pockets and add more soil as needed.
5. Water until liquid comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

BEST HOSTAS FOR POTS 

Hosta plants are excellent choices for growing in pots. Try some of these Proven Winners varieties to grow in pots in your yard.

Shadowland^® 'Autumn Frost'

Shadowland^® 'Coast to Coast'

Shadowland^® 'Diamond Lake'

Shadowland^® 'Wheee!'

Shadowland^® 'Waterslide'

 Shadowland^® 'Etched Glass'

 Shadowland^® 'Hope Springs Eternal'

 Shadowland^® 'Voices in the Wind'

FAQs

Can you plant hostas in pots?

Any variety of hosta can be planted in pots. Provide the right growing conditions for the best performance.

Do hostas do well in pots?

Hostas are one of the best ornamental plants for containers. They can be planted by themselves, or in combination with other plants. Protect potted hostas from wind and hail to prevent foliage damage. Hostas are more resistant to slugs and snails when they are planted in pots. Use bait or other pest control as needed to prevent leaf damage from these common pests.

Which hostas are best for pots?

Any type of hosta can be successfully grown in containers. Choose varieties with unusual coloring, leaf shape or structure that will stand out in a pot.

How big of a planter do I need for hostas?

Container size will depend on the size of your hosta variety. Miniature cultivars such as ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ may only need a small pot 4 to 6 inches wide and deep. For medium to large varieties, use a container that is 12 to 18 inches wide and deep or more.

Will hostas in pots come back every year?

Hostas are hardy herbaceous perennials that go dormant in winter. Container hostas will come back from year to year if they are given the right growing conditions and adequate winter protection.

How do you winterize potted hostas?

Hostas in pots can be safely overwintered outdoors in most climates. When leaving pots outside, hosta varieties should be two zones hardier than the minimum winter temperature in your region. Most hosta varieties are hardy to USDA zone 3, so will survive outdoors in pots down to USDA zone 5. Water containers before the first hard freeze to keep plants hydrated through winter. In colder climates, pots can be stored in an unheated garage, shed or greenhouse.

HOSTA CONTAINER IDEAS 

Hostas can be combined in pots with other plants. Here are some recipes to try:

Find more hosta combinations for pots.

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Want to learn more?

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