I've had good luck growing hostas here. I grow them in soil that has been amended with compost.

The problem I currently have is that I had to have two old apple trees removed this fall because of disease and now I have quite a few hostas that will be in full blazing sun. I don't have space to move them so will have to give them away or throw them in the compost bin.

If you would like, I would be happy to give you some.

-Doug
-Lyons, CO

Hi Hummer,

As long as you keep them pretty much in the shade, you shouldnÂt have too much trouble growing them out here. A lot of the things youÂre reading about what to plant out here are probably talking mostly about xeric stuffÂwhich is probably why youÂre not finding hosta mentioned. With the last however many yearsÂseems like foreverÂof drought weÂve had, youÂll find xeric is just about all anybody talks about anymore. Hopefully weÂll get more moisture this summer, but even if we get a "normal" year, youÂll need to water them regularly.

Because of limited space, I donÂt have many hosta, but IÂm gradually starting to get a few more varieties in right along the north side of my house (only been in this house a couple years). I like the variegated and yellow varieties, but DEFINITELY donÂt have room for Sum and Substance! Wish I did! Mine are planted in the good old clay that God put here. When IÂm planting I improve the immediate area with about a third moist Canadian peat. TheyÂre doing ok, but not wildly spreading out into the surrounding clayÂwhich is pretty much pure clay right where theyÂre planted. But thatÂs ok with me because of my limited room. The more you amend your soil, the better theyÂll do. Definitely keep them out of any midday sun, and afternoon sun until very late in the day. Some of the more sun tolerant varieties could probably take full morning sun, and more shade loving ones should be able to take a couple hours of morning sun, but if you moved here from sea level, youÂre going to be amazed by how INTENSE the sun is out here. And donÂt just watch your plants, watch your SKIN until you learn what to expect.

Also, youÂre in the perfect spot to go to Timberline Gardens when youÂre buying locally. TheyÂre at 11700 West 58th Avenue. They have the best variety of perennials in the metro area, and I checked their list, and last year they carried 31 varieties of hosta. And Kelly Grummons (part owner) is the most knowledgeable hort person I know, if you ever have any questions all the "experts" around here canÂt answer! (Luv ya guys!)

Welcome to RMG,
Skybird

Here is a link that might be useful: Timberline Gardens

Wow great advice and info folks, so very much appreciated and I feel so much better knowing it is in fact possible to grow Hosta here.

CNetter, I'm on 84th in Arvada is it close to you?

Doug that's aweful about the trees is there anyway you can make some type of shade canopy for them....heck no don't shoot them out...I'll rescue them ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Skybird thaks for all that info, I will definately be visiting them soon! Yes the sun certainly is more intense here I'll try to be very careful...duly noted. I bookmarked the nursery and will look when I get some quality time with coffee :o)

I will be making raised beds with some good dirt for the plants, there's a good amount of beds here already from the previous owner so just going to build up from them.

You all were great and super helpful, maybe might get a chance to meet some of you in the near future. I did meet some Canadians here from GW when I lived in Canada...friends for life imho. Feel free to contact me anytime, so glad I posted....great bunch here!

Here is a link that might be useful: Rachels Hostas

Depending on how west you are, you could be. I'm near 80th and Indiana. 77th to be exact.
cheryl

Wow Cheryl, well I'm 84th West so guess not too bad.

Hummingbird,

I will be digging them up as soon as they start to show. I'll let you know when I have them potted up and maybe we can meet somewhere halfway. You are welcome to them.

-Doug
-Lyons, CO

Wonderful Doug, thank you so much, they'll be taken care of very well here I promise you that...just let me know what you want for them and we can meet up when your ready. Ok now I'm super excited!!!

Hummingbird,

I don't want anything in return. I'm glad someone can use them instead of having to throw them away. If it stays this warm, they should start showing in the next couple of weeks. I'll email you when I have them potted up.

-Doug
-Lyons, CO

Ok Doug, sounds like a plan...thanks so much for the offer, and I'm looking forward to meeting you!

I know you already have your answer, but thought I would add to this thread anyway. I have also had good luck with Hostas here, and plan to plant quite a few more this year. I live in Westminster, across Sheridan from Arvada. Just add lots of good compost to your lovely clay soil (same soil I have. :-( ) and your Hostas will be happy.

Also, according to the article I have linked, Hostas do fine in dry shade once they are established. Mind you, the author lives in Seattle, Washington where they get lots of rain in the winter time, but it is drought-like in the summer (just like Oregon is.) I am going to plant some Hostas in a dry shade area just to find out if they will do well in such conditions here.

Holly

Here is a link that might be useful: dry shade gardening