Troubleshooting
Hosta problems — and how to fix them
Hosta (Hosta spp.) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Slug and snail damage
Slugs and snails are the classic hosta pest, chewing large irregular holes through the lush leaves, especially on soft new spring growth in damp, shady conditions.
Leaf scorch
Brown, crisped leaf margins result from too much direct sun or drought stress, as the large leaves lose moisture faster than the roots can replace it.
Crown and root rot
Cold, waterlogged or poorly drained soil — particularly over winter — causes the dormant crown to rot, with shoots yellowing and collapsing at the base.
Hosta Virus X (HVX)
An incurable virus causing mottled, ink-bleed blotching and puckered, distorted leaves, spread between plants on contaminated tools, hands or sap.
Foliar nematodes
Microscopic worms that feed within the leaves and produce brown stripes bounded by the leaf veins, spreading in wet weather via splashing water.
Deer and rabbit browsing
Hostas are highly palatable to deer and rabbits, which can graze a clump down to stubs overnight in gardens with wildlife pressure.
Prevent hosta problems before they start
Most hosta issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hosta problems — FAQ
Why is my hosta slug and snail damage?
Slugs and snails are the classic hosta pest, chewing large irregular holes through the lush leaves, especially on soft new spring growth in damp, shady conditions.
Why is my hosta leaf scorch?
Brown, crisped leaf margins result from too much direct sun or drought stress, as the large leaves lose moisture faster than the roots can replace it.
Why is my hosta crown and root rot?
Cold, waterlogged or poorly drained soil — particularly over winter — causes the dormant crown to rot, with shoots yellowing and collapsing at the base.
Why is my hosta hosta virus x (hvx)?
An incurable virus causing mottled, ink-bleed blotching and puckered, distorted leaves, spread between plants on contaminated tools, hands or sap.
Why is my hosta foliar nematodes?
Microscopic worms that feed within the leaves and produce brown stripes bounded by the leaf veins, spreading in wet weather via splashing water.
Why is my hosta deer and rabbit browsing?
Hostas are highly palatable to deer and rabbits, which can graze a clump down to stubs overnight in gardens with wildlife pressure.