Appearance

• Hosta plants grow up to 8 feet wide and 4 feet high, while miniature versions are only a few inches in diameter and might get up to 6 inches high. Most of these types of plants are round in shape, while others appear more in the shape of a vase. In addition, hostas have fleshy roots and short spreading rhizomes -- stems beneath the surface of the soil that produce new growth.
  
  

Leaves

• The leaves of a hosta plant range in colors from yellow or gold to green or blue. The appearance of blue leaves is attributed to a wax that coats the green leaves to make them look blue. This wax actually melts from the leaves when the leaves are exposed to heat and sun. Certain hosta plant leaves feature light coloring on their edges, while others present a color of light green, gold, yellow or white in the center.
  
  In addition, the color of hosta leaves depends on the amount of sunshine they receive. Some plants have leaves that change from yellow to white, while others have light leaves that turn green over the course of the growing season. Still, some green hosta leaves turn to yellow. Also, certain hosta plant leaves are shaped like cups, while others are lance-like or heart-shaped. Leaves are petite or large.
  
  

Flowers

• The flower stalks of hosta plants, called racemes, feature bell-like blossoms. The flowers are the color lavender, white or blue and look like lilies. Some hosta plants actually feature between 50 and 75 blooms on each flower scape, or stalk. In addition, some hosta plant flowers are very fragrant and attract bees and hummingbirds. Sun-loving hosta plants such as "August Moon" and "Honeybells" produce fragrant flowers.
  
  

Care

• Hostas flourish in morning sun and afternoon shade and grow best in rich organic soil well drained and acidic. Adding 6 inches of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to your flowerbed soil and tilling it in to a depth of 12 inches to 16 inches gives the hostas the nutrients they need to survive. The best pH level, or level of acidity, for hosta plants is 6.5 to 7.5.
  
  When planting a hosta, dig the hole to a foot deep and make the hole 1.5 times the anticipated mature size of the clump. The roots of most hostas grow horizontally. Also, ensure five to six hours of sun each day. Give these plants at least an inch of water a week and fertilize according to label directions.