Question
Hello,  I live in Helsinki Finland and I planted some Hosta in small clay pots in September.  My plants went from healthy green to limp yellow.  What am I doing wrong.  They are indoor plants or sometimes out on a glassed in porch that is cooler but not freezing.  Can you suggest anything?

Thank you

Answer
There is no need to worry Leigh. Your hostas have just gone dormant for the winter. They are perennials, but they are not evergreen. The leaves will die back to nothing and then fresh new leaves grow from the roots in early spring.

I am sure your clay pots are nice, but I would recommend that you use pastic. These plants love a soil that is moist, and clay pots tend to pull moisture from the soil as they dry. That is why clay will work for plants like cactus and geraniums, but they are not the best choice for hostas. Repot in spring when growth starts.

I would store the plants over the winter in the cool porch. Only water when they become dry. When they start the growth in the spring bring them into the warmer room. When they have put on several leaves, feed them with a balanced fertilizer, and start watering again.

bakerplanter