Their leaves look like they came from a tropical rainforest. Their flowering period is only short-lived. But the hosta is still extremely popular with German gardeners. Is it sufficiently hardy or does it need to be overwintered?
Are hostas hardy and do they need winter protection?
Are hostas hardy? Yes, most hostas are well prepared for the winter in Germany and can survive temperatures down to -20 °C in unprotected locations and up to -25 °C in protected locations. However, some specimens, especially those newly planted or in pots, require winter protection.
Up to -25 °C – that’s the minimum
Funkia originally come mostly from Japanese forest regions. They tolerate frost with flying colors. In this country they are considered to be very hardy. In unprotected locations, most hostas can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C. In sheltered locations they can cope with temperatures down to -25 °C. However, that is their absolute minimum!
Some hostas prefer to be protected from freezing cold
But not all hostas are guaranteed to survive the winter without damage. Newly planted specimens in the fall should be protected in the first winter as they have not yet had time to root properly. Hostas that are in pots, for example on the balcony or roof terrace, also require winter protection.
For potted plants, a protective layer of fleece (€72.00 on Amazon) and a location on the wall of the house can be helpful. For example, hostas in the field are protected with the following materials:
- Bark mulch
- Compost
- Fir branches
- Leaf layer
The leaves serve as winter protection
The hostas' own leaves can also overwinter. To do this, you should not cut off the wilted leaves in autumn. Leave it on the plant. It eventually falls off and covers the root area. Although it turns brown and may become mushy, it has a frost protection function for the hosta.
After winter, remove old plant parts and take good care of them
Once the winter period has passed, the hostas will look 'old' if you don't pay them any attention. Therefore it says:
- Remove winter protection (by April at the latest)
- water more again
- Cut off or remove old plant parts completely (usually the majority is rotted)
- fertilize with compost or, for potted plants, with liquid fertilizer
- feel free to divide and propagate before new growth
Tip
Hotas need a lot of moisture. Even in winter, the substrate they are in should not dry out! If necessary, water sparingly!
