Troubleshooting
Hosta 'Big Daddy' problems — and how to fix them
Hosta 'Big Daddy' (Hosta 'Big Daddy') 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.
Slow establishment
Large puckered hostas like 'Big Daddy' may take 3-4 years to show their full leaf character; resist dividing too early.
Root competition from trees
Planted under shallow-rooted trees, hostas may struggle; supplement with extra water and annual surface mulching with compost.
Vine weevil grubs
White C-shaped grubs feed on roots below ground; treat with nematode drenches in late summer/early autumn.
Winter wet damage
In wet winters at marginal hardiness zones, crowns may rot; mulch in autumn with bark to improve drainage around the crown.
Late spring frost damage
Emerging leaves in early spring can be blackened by late frosts; cover with horticultural fleece when sharp frosts are forecast.
Prevent hosta 'big daddy' problems before they start
Most hosta 'big daddy' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hosta 'Big Daddy' problems — FAQ
Why is my hosta 'big daddy' slow establishment?
Large puckered hostas like 'Big Daddy' may take 3-4 years to show their full leaf character; resist dividing too early.
Why is my hosta 'big daddy' root competition from trees?
Planted under shallow-rooted trees, hostas may struggle; supplement with extra water and annual surface mulching with compost.
Why is my hosta 'big daddy' vine weevil grubs?
White C-shaped grubs feed on roots below ground; treat with nematode drenches in late summer/early autumn.
Why is my hosta 'big daddy' winter wet damage?
In wet winters at marginal hardiness zones, crowns may rot; mulch in autumn with bark to improve drainage around the crown.
Why is my hosta 'big daddy' late spring frost damage?
Emerging leaves in early spring can be blackened by late frosts; cover with horticultural fleece when sharp frosts are forecast.