Troubleshooting
Hosta 'Touch of Class' problems — and how to fix them
Hosta 'Touch of Class' (Hosta 'Touch of Class') 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 damage on young growth
Though thicker-leaved and therefore more resistant, emerging spring growth is still vulnerable to slug attack. Apply iron phosphate pellets as soon as tips emerge.
Sun bleaching
The blue waxy bloom is irreversibly damaged by direct sun. Protect from afternoon exposure to maintain the characteristic blue-green colour.
Hosta virus X
Blue hostas can mask early HVX symptoms. Destroy any plant with irregular discolouration not attributable to normal variegation.
Vine weevil
Root feeding causes collapse. Apply nematode biological controls in late summer when soil temperature is above 12°C.
Crown rot in wet winters
Ensure good drainage and remove mulch from directly over the crown before the wettest winter months.
Prevent hosta 'touch of class' problems before they start
Most hosta 'touch of class' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hosta 'Touch of Class' problems — FAQ
Why is my hosta 'touch of class' slug damage on young growth?
Though thicker-leaved and therefore more resistant, emerging spring growth is still vulnerable to slug attack. Apply iron phosphate pellets as soon as tips emerge.
Why is my hosta 'touch of class' sun bleaching?
The blue waxy bloom is irreversibly damaged by direct sun. Protect from afternoon exposure to maintain the characteristic blue-green colour.
Why is my hosta 'touch of class' hosta virus x?
Blue hostas can mask early HVX symptoms. Destroy any plant with irregular discolouration not attributable to normal variegation.
Why is my hosta 'touch of class' vine weevil?
Root feeding causes collapse. Apply nematode biological controls in late summer when soil temperature is above 12°C.
Why is my hosta 'touch of class' crown rot in wet winters?
Ensure good drainage and remove mulch from directly over the crown before the wettest winter months.