If you’ve ever wandered past a shady garden and caught yourself admiring those big, lush leaves that look like they belong in a fancy botanical garden, you were probably staring at hostas.
I get it. I fell hard for them, too.
But when you don’t have a lot of garden space (or any shady flower beds to speak of), you start thinking, "Can I just grow these beauties in pots?"
Good news — yes, you can!
And honestly, growing hostas in pots might even be easier in some ways. Besides, you get to move them on your front porch, yard, or even that small-space backyard as you wish. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned (mostly through trial, error, and a few panicked Google searches).
Prerequisites for Planting Your Hostas in Containers
Pick the Right Pot (Bigger is Better)
Here’s something I didn’t realize until my first hosta outgrew its little pot in, like, three months: hostas have serious root systems. They aren’t exactly delicate little things.
If you start them in a small pot, you’ll be repotting faster than you can say "why is my plant so sad?"
A good rule of thumb? Get a pot that’s at least 18 inches wide and deep. Bigger if you can swing it. Trust me, your hosta will be happier, and you won’t be scrambling to repot mid-season.
Drainage is Non-Negotiable
Hostas like water, but they hate sitting in soggy soil. I learned the hard way when one of mine turned into a mushy mess. Always, always make sure your pot has drainage holes.
And don't just stop there.
I throw a handful of rocks or broken pottery pieces at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. It keeps the holes from clogging up and saves you from sad, drowned roots later. Note: the rocks are meant to prevent drainage holes from clogging, not necessarily to aid the drainage.
Learn why adding rocks in pots to improve drainage is dumb – it’s a controversial piece, but it will be worth your time.
Use the Right Potting Soil
Speaking of soil, hostas aren’t super picky, but they do appreciate well-draining potting mix. I usually grab a good-quality all-purpose potting soil and mix in a little compost for extra nutrients.
You want the soil to hold moisture without becoming a swamp. If you notice water pooling at the top after you water, it’s probably time to rethink your soil situation.
Choose the Right Hosta Variety
Hosta Sum and Substance - Photo: Dutch Grown
Not all hostas are created equal — especially when you’re growing them in pots. Some varieties get huge (like, “could be mistaken for a small shrub” huge), while others stay tidy and compact, which is perfect for containers.
Look for varieties labeled as "mini" or "small" if you're working with limited space. A few good ones to try:
- ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ – tiny, adorable, and super tough
- ‘June’ – a gorgeous mid-sized hosta with golden centers and blue edges
- ‘Golden Tiara’ – smaller, fast-growing, and really forgiving
If you want to go bold and dramatic, you can pot up a larger hosta like ‘Sum and Substance’ (photo above). Just be ready with a really big pot and a lot of patience (and maybe some extra snacks for yourself).
Pro tip: Check the plant tags or descriptions before you buy! They usually list mature size, and that's going to make your life so much easier later.
Find Their Happy Place
Hostas are pretty chill about where they live, as long as it’s shady. Most types like morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight and their leaves can get crispy and sad-looking. (Kind of like how most people feel when they forget sunscreen at the beach.)
If you’re not sure, err on the side of more shade. Bonus: pots make it easy to move them around if you realize you picked a too-sunny spot.
Planting Your Hosta in Pots
Planting your hosta is super simple once you’ve got your pot, soil, and plant ready. Here’s how I do it:
- Prep the pot. Make sure it’s clean and the drainage is good. A few rocks at the bottom help, too.
- Add soil. Fill the pot about halfway with your soil mix.
- Place the hosta. Gently loosen the roots if they’re packed tight (you don’t need to be aggressive — just tease them a little).
- Adjust height. Set the hosta in so the crown (where the stems meet the roots) sits about an inch below the rim of the pot.
- Fill and firm. Add more soil around the plant, pressing gently so there aren’t big air pockets. You want it snug but not crammed.
- Water well. Give it a good drink right after planting to help it settle in.
That’s it. No complicated rituals or moon phases required (although planting during a good mood might help).
Caring Tips for Your Hostas
Watering
Water, but don’t go overboard.
I know it’s tempting to baby your plants with tons of water, but hostas don’t actually need to be soaked every day. In pots, they dry out a little faster than they would in the ground, so you do need to check them more often.
I usually stick my finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, I water. If it’s still damp, I leave it alone. (I call it the "lazy gardener’s moisture meter.").
Fun fact: A 2012 study in HortTechnology found that watering based on soil moisture rather than a set schedule improved plant health across the board. So, trust your gut — and your finger.
Fertilizer application and nutrition
Hostas aren’t huge divas when it comes to fertilizer, but they do appreciate a little snack now and then. I like to use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring when they start waking up.
You can also give them a diluted liquid feed once a month during the growing season if you’re feeling fancy.
Just don’t overdo it — too much fertilizer can burn the roots. (I learned that after a tragic incident involving a very enthusiastic overfeeding session.)
Watch Out for Pests
Okay, confession time:
I used to think container plants were immune to pests. Not true. Slugs still find my potted hostas like they're hosting an exclusive party.
To keep them in check, use crushed eggshells sprinkled around the top of the soil. It’s not foolproof, but it does make the slugs think twice. You can also try pet-safe slug bait if things get out of hand.
Overwintering your hostas
If you live somewhere that gets really cold, don’t panic — you can still grow hostas in pots. You just need to help them out a little.
In winter, move your pots into a sheltered spot like an unheated garage or against the house where they get some protection from freezing winds. Some people even bury the pots in mulch to insulate them.
Either way, remember: hostas actually want a dormancy period. It helps them come back stronger in the spring.
One year, a friend tried to bring hers indoors like a houseplant. It got very confused and sulked all winter.
Conclusion
Honestly, once you get the hang of it, growing hostas in pots feels like having a little piece of a lush shade garden right on your patio.
They’re tough, forgiving, and ridiculously satisfying to grow — even if you’re not the world’s most attentive gardener.
Pick a good variety, give it a roomy pot, water it when it’s thirsty, and you’ll have a gorgeous, leafy companion to brag about all season long.
Plus, if you ever get the itch to rearrange your outdoor space (like I do... constantly), you can just pick up your hostas and move them around like living, leafy furniture.