I grow hostas (and other water lovers) on slopes. I use sections of pound in edging on the lower side so that when I water them the water stays in place long enough to sink in instead of simply running downhill. This edging needn't show if you don't want it to- just pound it in deep and cover it with mulch- it still serves its purpose.

Over the years I've used all manner of edging material to build these little dams- I like the pound in type best as it is very durable, reusable, and because it is sectional it's easy to configure.

Thanks!

great idea, cearbhaill! I can actually even visualize this as you explained it.

I grow hostas on a slope and besides making a dam effect on the lower side it helps on the upper side while they're small. Even if we don't see it, the slope does move, and I find the smaller hostas sometimes have too much build up of soil and mulch coming down on them and it slowly puts the crowns down too low. Once they are big and mature, I haven't noticed a problem any longer. So that's something to consider, also. But a slope is perfectly doable!

I agree with the other responses. I have had hosta do well on a slope but I transplanted larger hosta to that position. My sister has a steep slope and uses rock to hold the soil away from the plants but the landscape edging sound like a grand idea. However if you have some rocks, 6" diameter or up, sitting around, you could put them to use. I have used an big old tree branch (log), again about 6" in diameter, similarly, and that works too - it will gradually decompose but by that time the plants will be established. Be aware that if your slope is eroding and you are looking for a plant to hold the soil in, hosta are not the best choice. You will need to add some kind of ground cover with them or make other arrangements until the hosta are well established, about 2-3 years.

I love these ideas. I also live on a hill and the soil does move and can make the hostas too deeply buried. I just keep on eye on the soil depth and occasionally have to lift a hosta or two. If you are looking up the hill the hill will give different height to the hostas which can showcase each one nicely.