Hostas are a popular landscape plant, prized for their wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, and variegated colors. While they are traditionally grown in the garden, some varieties can also thrive when planted directly in water. Aquatic hostas can add unique texture and interest to ponds, fountains, and other water features.
Hostas are herbaceous perennials that belong to the genus Hosta. There are more than 45 species and thousands of named cultivars. They are native to northeast Asia, where they can be found in Japan, Korea, and China.
Hostas grow from rhizomes or clumps that spread overtime to form dense colonies. Their leaves come in many different shapes, from narrow and strap-like to nearly round. Leaf sizes range from under an inch up to 36 inches long. Many varieties have variegated leaves with white yellow or blue-green margins.
Flowers appear on tall stalks in mid to late summer. They can be white, lavender, or purple. Hostas grow best in moist, organic, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. They are easy to care for and very hardy.
Choosing Hostas for Water Gardens
While most hostas prefer drier soil, some varieties are suitable for growing directly in water. When selecting hostas for aquatic use, look for types that naturally grow in wet conditions.
Some good choices include
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Hosta ventricosa – Also called swamp hosta or blue hosta, this species naturally grows in damp soils and standing water. It has thick blue-green leaves.
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Hosta “Sea Legacy” is a hybrid variety with blue leaves that are heavily rippled and cupped and can handle being wet.
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Hosta ‘Hadspen Blue’ – Features elegant vase-shaped leaves in a striking powdery blue shade. Does well in moist sites.
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Hosta ‘Halcyon’ – A compact variety under a foot tall. Its small blue leaves hold up well to excess moisture.
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Hosta “Pandora’s Box” is a small hosta that grows to be only 6 inches tall. The green leaves with white margins can handle waterlogged roots.
Growing Hostas as Aquatic Plants
Hostas destined for water features can be planted in pots or directly into pond margins and streambeds. Take these tips into account:
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Select a site with light to moderate water flow. Stagnant water encourages rot.
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Plant in part sun to light shade to prevent leaf scorching.
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Allow the crown to sit just above the waterline. Submerge only the roots and lower part of the rhizome.
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Use a rich pond soil or potting mix. Add aquatic plant fertilizer tabs.
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Mulch around the roots with gravel or stones to anchor the plant.
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Keep the water level stable. Fluctuations in water height stress the plants.
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Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to encourage healthy growth.
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Remove spent flower stalks and damaged foliage as needed.
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In cold climates, cut plants back and stop fertilizing in fall to prep for dormancy.
Caring for Water Garden Hostas
Hostas planted in water need some special care and maintenance. Monitor these key factors:
Water Quality
Poor water quality is the main threat to aquatic hostas. Test and adjust the pH to neutral. Keep ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates at safe levels. Change some of the water periodically.
Pests and Diseases
Common hosta problems like slugs and snails can thrive in water gardens. Control them by hand picking or using traps. Remove diseased leaves promptly to prevent spread.
Winter Protection
In zones where ponds freeze solid, install bubblers or remove plants to an protected area like a cold frame for winter. Mulch the roots for insulation.
Dividing
Clumps often outgrow their space in just a couple seasons. Divide in early spring or fall and replant the healthiest sections.
Fertilization
Use controlled release fertilizer tablets placed near the roots in spring and midsummer. Liquid fertilizers dissolve too quickly in water.
Designing With Aquatic Hostas
The unique textures and colors of hosta leaves can add striking contrast when combined with other water plants. Here are some design ideas:
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Plant a low mound of blue hostas on a pond shelf to mimic reeds.
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Use gold and white variegated hostas among green water lilies for contrast.
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Place pots of miniature hostas along the edge of fountains and waterfalls.
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Mass hostas together as a focal point or use one as a specimen.
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Let hosta leaves trail over pond ledges and stream banks.
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Contrast fine-textured grassy plants like rushes with hosta’s broad leaves.
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Use blue hostas with red-leaved plants like canna lilies for dramatic color interplay.
Enjoying the Versatility of Hostas
While hostas are traditionally associated with shady gardens, many varieties can adapt to at least partially submerged growing conditions. With their diversity of shapes, sizes, and hues, hostas can expand design possibilities for pond margins, streams, and water features. Hardy, easy to care for, and visually striking, water-loving hostas deserve greater use as aquatic plants.
Experiment with growing hostas in water to appreciate their versatility. Observe which varieties thrive with wet feet in your climate. With the right selection and care, hostas can transform from classic landscaping plants to exotic water garden specimens.