Hosta problem - Ask Extension
I have four Hosta plants in front of my house, same walk way, same environment. Two of them are very healthy, then there is a space and the next two ...
Knowledgebase
Hosta problem #870274
Asked May 27, 2024, 1:30 PM EDT
I have four Hosta plants in front of my house, same walk way, same environment. Two of them are very healthy, then there is a space and the next two are not doing well. These are very mature plants.
One just isn't growing like the others and the one next to it is big, but showing leaf issues. See pictures.
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
It appears that your hosta leaves may be suffering from scorch, sunburn, or heat stress. Some hostas can handle the heat of the sun better than others...especially if they are kept watered. Have they been in this same location for several years without these damaged spots on the leaves? Is it possible that these two hostas receive more direct sun (especially hot afternoon sun) than the other two?
Sunburn also can result in the same white/yellow damaged symptoms on the section of the leaves closest to the sun, rather than just on leaf edges. Also, sunburned areas are often bleached at first, then later turn brown and drop out. Planting hostas in direct sunlight may result in sunburn, especially in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6 and above.
The information in the link below should be helpful:
http://www.plantsgalore.com/care/hostas/Hosta-pests-sunburn.htm
There are, of course, other possibilities, i.e., including diseases, viruses, or if the leaves were damaged by frost or freeze when they were emerging.
Be sure to keep your hostas well watered during hot spells, and if possible give them a little shade from the afternoon sun. I would say to increase water significantly ... though once damaged .. those leaves are not going to recover ...
Sunburn also can result in the same white/yellow damaged symptoms on the section of the leaves closest to the sun, rather than just on leaf edges. Also, sunburned areas are often bleached at first, then later turn brown and drop out. Planting hostas in direct sunlight may result in sunburn, especially in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6 and above.
The information in the link below should be helpful:
http://www.plantsgalore.com/care/hostas/Hosta-pests-sunburn.htm
There are, of course, other possibilities, i.e., including diseases, viruses, or if the leaves were damaged by frost or freeze when they were emerging.
Be sure to keep your hostas well watered during hot spells, and if possible give them a little shade from the afternoon sun. I would say to increase water significantly ... though once damaged .. those leaves are not going to recover ...
