Drought tolerant hostas in North Texas?
Who better to discuss a question about hostas’ drought tolerance than a Texan in 2011. There are those who think of cacti, desert, and horses tied to hitching posts when the topic of Texas and Wild West tradition comes up! While these things can certainly be found in the vast expanse of land mass that included the lone star state, beautiful gardens will also be found throughout the state. Many stand out and interspersed with cultivated hosta plants, found primarily in the patios and beds of local residents who have relocated from every state in the union.
2011 has set new records for 100+ degree summer days with 70+ days and counting. How have the hostas fared in this type of weather? Hostas in North Texas (Dallas and Fort Worth in particular) seem like Timex watches, “They lick each other and they keep ticking.” True to its reputation for being an adaptable and hardy plant, hostas in North Texas will do just fine. Due to the unprecedented heat and sunshine, 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 implementing strict outdoor irrigation rations. There is great news for gardeners who think their plants are done. My little collection of hosta plants dating back to the ones that were planted 12 years ago on the north side of the house actually seemed to be “missing”! A few weeks ago, just as the continuous triple-digit hot days subsided, I gave the dry, brown, crisp, dead-looking hostas a much-needed soak. To my surprise, within 3 days new green leaves started to sprout which gave me confidence in the resurgence of most collections of these beautiful green, yellow and variegated gray and blue leaves in the state of Texas.
The 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 perform well as snowfall helps provide necessary hydration for plants and vegetation as it melts. The southwestern and coastal regions of the Lone Star State have the advantage of moisture coming from the Gulf of Mexico, but the disadvantage of not always having cool enough temperatures. Still, with a little planning and using mechanical refrigeration for a cool blast, hostas can be easily plucked, refrigerated for 30 to 45 days, and replanted after dividing to share with others.
With several more weeks, if not a couple more months of growing season, I’m looking forward to seeing the growth and greening of gardens in North Texas and I anticipate hostas leading the way. The coming winter should provide plenty of water outside of the growing season to feed the roots and prepare for an unprecedented growing season after the 2011 drought. Whether you are in hot, humid climates of a dry southern climate Texas, drought-hit areas of North Texas, or anywhere else with drought conditions, keep your hostas hydrated. Even after long periods of cultivation without water, it appears that the hardy hosta will live to grow another season in splendor and beauty. Yes, drought resistant hostas they survive in North Texas with just a little extra care.