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Hostas need not be confined to growing in the garden. With leaves and flowers of many shapes, colors, and textures, hostas can be successfully grown in containers, with many varieties to choose from.
It is important to know the mature size of your hosta so you can pick out the right size container. Be sure to provide for adequate drainage, as they need plenty of water.
For best growth, hostas prefer a humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is best to purchase a soil-less mixture, a such as a combination of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. This mixture will retain moisture yet allow proper drainage.
Young hostas can be planted in small containers for the first year. As they grow, you can move them into larger containers where they probably can remain after reaching maturity.
Hostas cannot tolerate direct sunlight. If planted in containers, they can be moved from one spot to another as needed. In early spring, hostas can tolerate a somewhat sunny location. When it gets hot, they should be moved to a shady location.
In spring and summer, you should water them on a regular basis, as containers require more water. You should mulch to conserve moisture. Due to frequent watering, nutrients in soil are lost more rapidly, so use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
In fall, move containers to a porch or garage where temperatures will remain moderate over the winter time. Water lightly, but do not let containers dry out completely. In early spring, move the plants back outside to their summer location.
Joanie Matthews, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service