Shadowland® Lone Star Hosta

The Shadowland® series of hostas is a mix of old favorites and new introductions. Lone Star has understated golden leaf margins and flowers weeks earlier than most hostas. The white flower scapes typically tower a good 2-3 feet above the foliage, making them standouts in early summer. The showy foliage comes in shades of emerald green edged in gold. All Shadowland® Hostas are dependable hybrids with outstanding hardiness and the ability to tolerate a wide range of climates in USDA zones 3-9. 

Lone Star hostas are extremely shade tolerant. Plant them in woodland gardens, at the base of deciduous trees, or in a foundation planting on the north or east side of your house. Hostas also thrive in containers, decorating shady front steps or porches with their elegantly spreading form. Deer may browse on hostas, but any damage will regrow quickly if it is early in the growing season. 

Shadowland® Lone Star Hosta Care

Hostas grow best in acidic to neutral soil that drains well and is moderately fertile. Lone Star shows the best color definition when planted in part to full shade. Sunnier locations tend to burn the foliage. Hostas enjoy consistent moisture through the growing season and appreciate being mulched with plenty of organic material like shredded leaves, pine straw, or compost. Mulching is especially helpful for hostas growing in shady but dry soils like under trees. Fertilize lightly in the spring as the new shoots appear. Use a granular, slow-release formula with a balanced NPK ratio. 

Pruning hostas is easy. Deadhead the flowerscape after it fades early in the summer. This helps to redirect energy into the foliage instead of developing seeds. When plants begin to yellow and die back in the fall, cut all of the top growth back to 1-2 inches above soil level. This helps to keep the plant crown neat and less likely to be attacked by slugs and snails who feed on the decomposing foliage. It also reduces the chances of fungal infections or the development of mildew. 

Divide hostas every 2-3 years to keep the plants growing vigorously. Dividing is best done early in the spring as soon as the new shoots are visible to reduce transplant shock.

Shadowland® Lone Star Hosta Spacing

The overall profile of Lone Star Hosta is short but wide: it reaches about 2 feet high and 4 feet wide at maturity. Allow plenty of room between plants for good air circulation by spacing plants 36-40 inches apart from the center of each plant. Plant hostas in a container with at least a diameter of 16 inches and a heavy base to counteract any top-heavy growth that could tip a pot over.