Hosta Magic Island | 9cm Pot

Showy blue-green and yellow foliage. Position: partial or full shade Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: July to August Hardiness: fully hardy The blue-green and creamy-yellow leaves of this handsome hosta emerge each spring and form an attractive basal clump, from which sprays of lilac flowers appear in midsummer. The thick, leathery foliage is said to be more slug resistant than many of the other hostas, however it is unlikely that they will be completely slug-proof! Garden care: You’ll get thicker, lusher leaves if you give your hostas a really good feed. An annual mulch in spring or autumn will help to keep the weeds down and is an easy way to improve soil and boost nutrient levels. Add a generous mulch of about 5-10cm (2-4in) deep of garden compost or leaf mould around the plant. Spraying the leaves regularly with a high nitrogen fertiliser during the growing season will also help to boost leaf size. Protect against slugs and snails by using an organic nematode treatment in early spring – or simply stick to planting it in a container. Water your hosta well as soon as you plant it and from then on water regularly during their first growing season. Give them a water about once or twice a week around the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. Little and often can be disastrous as it encourages the plant to produce roots closer to the surface in a desperate quest for moisture.