I have a dilemma. Before we had one of the Bradford Pear trees removed, our backyard was almost full shade. Taking down that one tree has completely changed one side of the little yard. Several years ago I planted hostas in the little bed that runs along the fence. They always come back, and always last until late fall. However, now with all the sun on this one side--they are crispy critters!
The hostas don't go all along the entire bed, they are in an area that curves out on each end.
You can see how burned they are getting, plus the sun has faded the bright green color they usually are to very light green.So, here lies my dilemma. The Hostas are alive, they just look very unhappy. Should I just leave them alone? Should I dig them up?
Should I wait until next year and make a decision? They get plenty of water, it's the hot sun that is baking them.
This time of the year, especially with the hot, dry summer we are having, everything looks pretty unhappy (except for the Rudbeckia--they are always happy!). But, even if next summer is not as hot, the hostas will still get sun most of the day. I hate to dig up plants that are still alive. I don't like giving up on them. What to do, what to do. This is one to ponder...any thoughts will be very welcomed and appreciated!
9 comments:
This is my first year with hostas so I am not sure either(-; I have some in shade and some that get some sun. I guess it depends on what sun they get. Maybe early morning is better then late afternoon. Some of mine have burnt leaves too.
Seems to me, you have your backyard oasis for joy and peace. Does keeping these plants disturb your peace?
Cindee--these get early morning plus some afternoon sun. I think the problem is that the sun is so hot now. So yours are burned too...hum...and it's cooler where you are, right?
jenningsjunk---wow, you are right. It IS my place of peace, and crispy plants don't disturb that peace, just makes me wonder if something else will grow better, but I hate to pull up live plants.....hum.......
If you could hold out till the fall you could move them somewhere else that is shadier. That way you don't have to lose them. then you could plant something else there that is a sunlover.
Do you know someone with a shady garden? They might be happy to rehome your hostas. You might even be able to visit them!!
perennialgardener--I can definitely hold out until fall! Not sure if the hostas can, but with enough watering maybe they can. Sounds like waiting is the best idea.
Hi Lottie! That's a great idea. I bet there are lots of shade gardeners out there too. (so you can tell I get attached to my plants huh?) : )
Hey--how is your weather??
It sounds like they'd be better off in a shadier spot. I say move them in the fall.
Thanks Pam. I am thinking that's the best option. My Mother might even want some for her shady areas. Now I have another space for new sun-loving plants--and several months to decide what to plant! From lemons to lemonade!
Our sun and shade spots come and go as the trees come and go, just like yours. Last summer we moved boo-koos of Hostas. Of course, I had the help of college-age young me, and that makes all the difference in the world.
I showed them how to divide the plants and there must have been at least a hundred by the time they got them planted into shadier locations. There were three different kinds, all were burning like yours, so we moved them. We did it during the summertime, but did water frequently. At first they didn't look too happy, but they pulled through. I had to do it while I had help, before they started classes again in late Aug.
Still have another large clump that is getting burned. I tried to find someone who wanted it. Maybe next spring it will get divided and put into a club's plant sale.
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