Photo by Sebright Gardens
Marcia and I were privileged to tour Sebright Gardens, one of this year's presenters at Plant Nerd Night, with its tireless owners, Thomas Johnson and Kirk Hansen.
Even in the middle of January, there was a lot going on. It just was happening beneath the soil in the thousands of pots planted with the hostas for which they are best known.
READ MORE: In countdown to spring gardening, Oregon plant nerds unite
There are several hundred varieties of hostas available to purchase at the retail nursery. And while close to 1,000 can be purchased on their online site, you really need to make the trip to Salem to see their amazing garden.
The following tips are from Thomas and Kirk at Sebright Gardens. For more in-depth info, go to www.sebrightgardens.com and click on hosta care tips.
Hosta 'Whirlwind'- 20"x40"- Lovely foliage that changes color throughout the growing season. (Photo by Sebright Gardens)
Where to plant: Though some hostas are more sun tolerant than others (check the tag), most appreciate the shade. In most cases, early day sun to about mid-morning and late afternoon sun after 5 p.m. will not burn your hosta.
Epimedium 'After Midnight'- 12"x12"- Elongated, heart-shaped leaves with chocolate colored new foliage and white flowers. (Photo by Sebright Gardens)
When to plant: Hostas can be planted almost any time of the year. Avoid planting if the ground is frozen. Also, don't divide an existing clump in the heat of the summer.
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'- 6"x12"- Heart-shaped, thick, blue leaves that resemble mouse ears. (Photo by Sebright Gardens)
Nutrients: Hostas appreciate a bit of composted manure or slow-release fertilizer in early spring just before the shoots emerge. They also like slightly acidic soil.
Hosta 'Fire and Ice'- 15"x28"- Slightly twisted, white leaves with irregular green edges. (Photo by Sebright Gardens)
Watering: Hostas require 1-2 inches of water a week for optimum growth. Too much water and they will rot; not enough and they will go dormant, wilt and turn brown.
Hosta 'Surprised by Joy'- 4"x10"- Miniature hosta with narrow, arrow-shaped foliage. (Photo by Marcia Westcott Peck)
Pests: Anyone who has ever grown hostas knows that slugs love them. Apply bait in February when slugs start looking for food. Slugs and snails prefer thinner-leaved hostas. Try a thicker-leaved or a waxy blue-leaved variety, which many slugs seem to avoid.
Hosta 'Tangerine Tango'- 20"x24"- Large heart-shaped, bright yellow leaves with thick, ruffled, blue-green margins. (Photo by Sebright Gardens)
Dividing: Clumps of hostas are fully mature at five years. You can divide the clumps or leave them undisturbed and they will thrive. Hostas can be divided almost any time of the year in the more temperate areas of Oregon, though late summer and early fall are best. To divide, use a sharp knife to cut through the basal plate of hard tissue between the foliage and roots, making sure to leave an eye. For large clumps, use a shovel to slice the plant in pieces.
Hosta 'Gentle Giant'- 45"x65"- Sun tolerant. Robust and upright with glaucous, oval, cupped, thick leaves. (Photo by Sebright Gardens)
Planting: Dig a generous hole so that the roots can be spread out. Most hostas prefer plenty of humus and regular moisture but are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Plant your hosta with the crown (where the leaves emerge from soil) about two inches below the soil surface for most varieties and just below the surface for miniature and small varieties. Apply a tablespoon of well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the newly planted hosta. Make sure not to get any on the leaves or they could burn.
(Photo by Marcia Westcott Peck)
Potting: Hostas are a beautiful addition to containers and with proper watering, baiting and fertilizing will last for years without much fuss.
Marcia Westcott Peck is a landscape designer (mwplandscape.com or find her on Instagram at @pecklandscape) and Dennis Peck is a senior editor at The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Thomas Johnson and Kirk Hansen in the hoop house. (Photo by Marcia Westcott Peck)
Sebright Gardens
Where: 7185 Lakeside Dr. NE, Salem
What: Four acres of display gardens with an emphasis on hostas, epimediums and other shade plants
When: The garden opens March 30 and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 28.
Key events: June 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sebright hosts the beginning of summer plant sale with other specialty nurseries such as Windcliff Nursery, Gossler Nursery, Dancing Oaks Nursery, Secret Garden Growers and Hydrangeas Plus; Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jewel Box plant sale; Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Salem Hardy Plant Society fall plant sale with other specialty nurseries,
Online: sebrightgardens.com
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