Love Hostas but Hate Slugs? đđ Weâve Got You Covered!
If youâve got a shady spot in your garden and youâre not quite sure what to plant, hostas might just be your new favourite. These leafy perennials are loved for their lush foliage, sculptural shape, and low-fuss nature. They thrive in the places other plants often sulk - under trees, along fences, and on cool patios.
Hostas are surprisingly undemanding once established & come in all sizesâfrom tiny teacup plants to bold, oversized showstoppers. Find our varieties here - CLICK HERE
Try combining different varieties for a textured, layered look in borders or containers.
Of course, slugs and snails love hostas too - but donât let that put you off. With the right prep (and a few tricks from the garden shed), you can enjoy beautiful, unchewed leaves all season long.
How to Grow Stunning Hostas
Hereâs what they love:
Light: Partial or full shade is best. Some types handle morning sun, but avoid hot afternoon exposure.
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soilâimproved with organic compost or well-rotted manure.
Watering: Keep well-watered in dry spells, especially in the first year.
Mulch: In spring, mulch with bark, compost, or leaf mould to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
Allow space between plants to let them spread out gracefullyâand avoid overcrowding, which slugs love.
Your Hosta Shopping List đ
Planning your shady border? Hereâs what youâll need:
Healthy hosta plants (we stock a huge range)
Organic compost or soil improver
Mulch (bark, leaf mould or compost)
Slug protection (see below!)
Shade-loving companion plants for a full, layered look
Slug Control: Tried, Tested and In Stock đ
Letâs be honestâslugs can be a pain. But weâve got the gear to protect your plants without harming wildlife:
Some of the solutions we stock:
đ§ Slugs Be Gone Gel â ÂŁ5.99/L
đ Slug Gone wool pellets â from ÂŁ3.99
⥠Copper tape â ÂŁ6.99 for 4 metres
âď¸Coffee grounds â fresh from your kitchen... ideal!
Plus, natural tricks like crushed eggshells, garlic spray [url:https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/gardening-with-a-clear-conscience/], or onion skins can also help keep pests at bay. How about coffee grounds â fresh from your kitchen... ideal!
And donât forget to water in the morningânot in the evening when slugs are most active.
Looking for low-maintenance options? Thicker-leaved hostas like âHalcyonâ tend to resist damage better.
A Hostaâs Best Friend: Companion Planting for Shade Gardens
Want to fill out your shady border in style? Pair hostas with other shade-lovers for beautiful, varied planting that lasts from spring to autumn:
Ferns â Add height and feathery texture.
Heuchera (Coral Bells) â Colourful leaves in rich tones like burgundy, copper, or lime.
Astilbe (False Goat's Beard or False Spirea) â Soft, fluffy flower plumes that rise above hosta mounds.
Brunnera (Siberian bugloss) â Heart-shaped foliage with silvery tones and forget-me-not-style flowers.
Pulmonaria (Lords & Ladies) â Speckled leaves and early blooms in pinks, purples, and blues.
All of these thrive in the same conditions: moist soil, dappled light, and a little bit of love.
Pop Down and Browse đż
Whether you're creating a whole new shady border or just refreshing a quiet corner, weâve got everything you need in store:
A gorgeous selection of hostas (including popular and unusual varieties)
Slug solutions to suit every gardener
Shade-loving companion plants
A warm welcome
⨠Your perfect shade garden starts hereâpop in and take a look! â¨