Realizing that I am in a very mild winter climate but is that even a concern? I am under the impression that hostas in general are extremely cold hardy but it may be breeding or degree of variegation that makes some varieties less robust than others during the growing season.

Are some hostas really less cold hardy than others?

Tattoo can be finicky although I'm not sure if it is cold related. My brother in zone 4 had one planted near his foundation (in sandy soil) live several years while I, in zone 5, lost one over its first winter (in more clayey soil). If your drainage is good you should be fine in zone 6.

tj

cold is not an issue ...

and the best insulation you can put over it.. would be a couple feet of snow ...

NE z6 5tells me nothing about where you are ...

but NE makes me ask if voles are an issue ...

ken

I'm in Massachusetts -- yes there are voles but I was just wondering more generally if it requires some special treatment. How do I know if my drainage is good or bad?

What kind of soil do you have? Clay? Sand? How fast does water drain when you water or fill a hole with water?

tj

Water drains very quickly through the soil -- I assume that means the soil is sandy. I noticed your user name -- I just bought a tsuga canadensis moon frost and haven't planted it as yet. Hope it does well.

Your soil sound perfect.

'Moonfrost' should do fine there. Just learn how to recognize Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

tj