Who better to discuss a question about the drought tolerance of hostas than a Texan in 2011. Some think of cacti, desert, and horses tied to posts when the subject of Texas lore and the Wild West comes up. While these things can certainly be found in the vast expanse of landmass that comprises the Lone Star State, beautiful gardens will also be found throughout the state. Many are highlighted and interspersed with cultivated hosta plants, found primarily in the yards and beds of local residents who have relocated from every state in the union.
2011 has set new records of 100+ degree summer days with 70+ days and counting. How have the hostas fared in this kind of weather? It seems that hostas in North Texas (Dallas and Fort Worth in particular) are like Timex watches: “Take a beating and keep ticking.” True to their reputation as a hardy, adaptable plant, hostas in North Texas will do just fine. Due to the unprecedented heat and sun, coupled with the lack of rain, its population will suffer its share of the damage.
Just adding water should be the advice, which has been difficult to do with so many counties and cities enforcing strict outdoor watering rations. There is great news for gardeners who think their plants are finished. My own little collection of hosta plants dating back to being planted 12 years ago on the north side of the house actually appeared to be “gonners”! A few weeks ago, just as the non-stop triple-digit hot days subsided, I soaked dry, brown, crisp, dead-looking hostas. To my surprise, within 3 days new green leaves began to sprout, giving me confidence in the revival of most collections of these beautiful green, yellow, and variegated gray and blue leaves in the state of Texas.
Areas of greatest concern would include the western regions of Texas, such as Abilene and Lubbock. Higher up in the Texas Panhandle, in areas around Amarillo, hostas should continue to do well as snowfall helps provide much-needed hydration to plants and vegetation as it melts. The coastal and southwestern regions of the Lone Star State have the advantage of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, but the disadvantage of not always being cool enough. Still, with a little planning and using mechanical cooling for a blast of fresh air, hostas can be easily pulled up, refrigerated for 30 to 45 days, and replanted after dividing to share with others.
With several more weeks, if not a couple of months left in the growing season, I look forward to seeing new growth and greening in gardens in North Texas and anticipate hostas leading the way. The coming winter should provide enough water outside of the growing season to feed the roots and prepare for an unprecedented growing season after the 2011 drought. Whether you’re in hot, humid climates of a dry southern climate Texas, drought affected areas of North Texas, or anywhere else with drought conditions, keep your hostas hydrated. Even after long periods of cultivation without water, it looks like the hardy hosta will live to grow another season in splendor and beauty! Yes, drought-resistant hostas survive in North Texas with just a little extra care.