One fun thing you can try is buy 2 Junes (it is acclaimed as the worlds most beautiful hosta) and plant one in the shade and one in more sun. You will love the variation in colors. Planting distance depends on the mature size of the hosta you buy and how close you want them. I have Junes that are 3 foot across. Keep this post in your drawer to look at next year. Your comment of room for 2 or 3 more is funny, once you start, you can't stop at 5 or 6.

Debbie-

Wahoo! Someone else from California. Welcome!!

Where are you in Northern California? Mine are all in pots that I tuck out of sight when they are dormant. They grow at different rates, some are more vigorous than others. There are tiny ones that only get 6" tall, and humongous ones that could provide a hiding place for a small child. You plant them according to their mature size.

-Babka

Here is a link that might be useful: The Hosta Library

A good many of the regular forum members are from zones quite a bit north of you. I know a few of the members, like Babka, who have long term success with hosta in zone 9 have their success due in large part to them being potted.

I think it has a lot to do with the ground getting cold enough for them to get their requisite dormancy.

My suggestion: do whatever the other zone 9 folks are doing and don't listen to us zone 4 folks!

I'm in Livermore CA, home of Wente and Concannon Vineyards. I get about a month to six weeks of overnight temps below 40 degrees. It's been cold enough to have all my perennials go dormant and for my peonies to bloom. My two oldest hostas both went through last winter and came up beautifully, so I think I can do it. I just need to make sure the drip irrigation works. The song is true - "It never rains in California..." -- at least from May through October.

Mine are in the ground but I think I want to try a few of the mini ones in pots in the backyard. I have a covered patio that is shady and would look nice.

Keep the suggestions coming.