There’s a quiet magic in shade gardens—places that feel cool, serene, and a little wild. And if there’s one plant that truly shines in these low-light spaces, it’s the hosta. Known for their lush foliage, hostas are a must-have in shaded landscapes. Even better? They’re deer-resistant, making them a reliable choice for gardens that face wildlife challenges. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College shares her current favourite varieties—and why you need to add at least one in your landscape this year.
Under the canopy of mature trees where sunlight barely filters through, hostas thrive. Their broad, textured leaves bring structure and visual interest to even the shadiest corners. Whether you’re designing a peaceful woodland border or filling a tricky spot beneath a maple tree, hostas are your go-to.
And while they’re famous for foliage, hostas also flower! Each plant produces a tall stem called a scape, topped with delicate, bell-shaped blooms. These flowers are not only beautiful—they’re beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies too.
Hostas come in a wide range of sizes—from towering showpieces to petite accents. Here’s how to choose the right one for your space:
Looking for a bold focal point? These oversized varieties command attention.
Great for middle and front-of-border plantings. Typically 15–24 inches tall.
At just 6–10 inches tall, these miniatures are ideal for edging, containers, or small garden pockets.
Planting Tips for Healthy Hostas
When planting hostas, start by choosing a spot with consistent shade or dappled light—morning sun is fine, but too much afternoon sun can scorch their leaves, especially lighter-coloured varieties. Prepare the soil by loosening it deeply and enriching it with compost or well-rotted manure, as hostas thrive in moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Be sure to space them according to their mature size—dwarfs can be 12 inches apart, while giant specimens may need 3 to 5 feet of space to spread.
Dig a hole just deep enough so the crown of the plant (where leaves meet the roots) sits at soil level. Water well after planting and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds—but avoid piling mulch directly against the stems to prevent rot. Consistent moisture, especially in the first season, is key to helping your hostas establish strong roots.
Our team of experts is always here to help you choose the perfect Hosta and recommend the best options tailored to your garden’s unique conditions. Happy Planting!
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
