Software
Houzz Logo Print
vina538

Is there a "small/medium" hosta with huge leaves?

last year

I want to plant a hosta in my 11" pot. Is there a plant that is a small/medium size with huge leaves? Or do I need to plant a "giant" hosta to get the large leaves? If I need a large variety, how often will I need to divide & repot it - in the 11" pot?

(zone 6b, Welland, ON)

Comments (5)

  • last year

    You might have to be more specific about what you consider huge leaves. You can plant pretty much any hosta in the pot. But as time goes by, it will expand horizontally as it creates new shoots, so it will outgrow the pot eventually. But that's fine too. Just pull it out, cut it in half and plant one half back in your 11" pot. Get another pot for the other half or give it to a friend.

    vina538 thanked popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
  • last year

    I think the answer is basically, no, but you could grow a small division of a larger hosta for a years or so— because it could only have a few leaves. Main problem is that it might also have a root system that’s too deep for smaller pots, even as a division. But if you can plant a small division of a “ big hosta”, you can let a hosta get pretty big and potbound and dramatic looking, if you keep it watered and fertilized, but as popmama said, time will run out and it won’t be happy, won’t have a healthy root system or any growing medium unless potted up. I have started Sum & Substance in 10-12 “ pots & let them get pretty darn big for awhile before potting up , sometimes not by preference, but missed the seasons for doing so.

    You could also browse hostas that are small-ish but have the broadest leaves for their mature size , as opposed to cultivars with especially skinny leaves. You might really be looking for a completely different species of plant, though, with more dramatic foliage relative to its root system and space requirements.
    vina538 thanked marmiegard_z7b
  • last year

    Thank you! I can see that the roots won't be happy for long. Time to reassess what I want.

  • last year

    I have a Sum and Substance in a smallish pot. It's leaves are not getting huge like on one I have in the ground. (It's probably time for me to upsize the container; I also suspect this one is in too dense shade.)


    On the other hand, when I purchased Tom Terrific it was in a small container but already had good-sized (and quite tall) leaves.

    vina538 thanked Ben D (zone 7b)
  • last year

    Being more specific about what you want would be helpful as popmama said.
    That said, Neptune is listed as a medium- large hosta. Its leaves have wavy edges and arch up and out. It would be pretty in a pot if you can find it. I’m sure others will chime in with suggestions. Check out pictures on the HL.

    debra.

    vina538 thanked djacob Z6a SE WI