by Madison Briggs

Created on: April 18, 2009

Finding plants to add color and interest to the shady and dark areas of your yard can be at times frustrating. Either they perform badly due to competition with tree roots or you discover partial shade does not mean all shade. Before you give up on these areas, try hostas. Mama Mia hosta is the perfect plant to add both color and interest to your otherwise boring and bare spots in the shade and under trees.

Mama Mia hostas have broad beautiful dark green leaves with very wide borders of yellow and pale cream color. It is not simply green foliage planting but rather a colorful addition to an otherwise boring dark spot. The wide cream borders of this particular hosta automatically draw attention and brighten the area with cool color.

Mama Mia's are easy to grow and maintain. Plant the tubular in a well drained slightly acidic soil which is normally the condition of the soil under trees. They will thrive in shade and partial shade as long as they get enough moisture. Morning sun is fine but avoid planting where the hot afternoon sun can reach them as the tender leaves will become sunburned and scorched.

Fertilize during the growing season with a very weak liquid mixture or use a well balanced slow release type in the early spring. During hot periods of summer or during drought conditions, water well regularly. Do not allow the plants to stand in water. If you notice the leaves drooping between watering, simply water directly at the roots and the plants will pop back almost immediately. It is best not to let the plants dry out completely. Apply mulch or pine straw to maintain moisture and to keep the soil an even temperature.

Mama Mia's produce stems of lavender flowers from June to September, but their real beauty is from the foliage more than the flowers. You can snip off the flowers when they emerge from the top without causing any ill effects to the plant. By snipping the flowers off, the plant actually will concentrate more on growing the leaves instead of using energy to produce the flowers.

Mama Mia's do not require dividing as many varieties of hostas or other perennials require after a few years. If you desire to move them to another spot, this can be done at any time. Since digging and dividing does cause stress to plants, it is always best to move or divide in eary spring.

In the late fall, the leaves will start to discolor and die from the frost. At this time, cut the plant back even with the ground surface. Mark the spots so you will not accidentally dig up during fall or early spring clean up. The plants will begin to emerge again in the very early spring.

Mama Mia hostas are perfect for patio planting in pots or planted in mass underneath trees. They require very little maintenance other than watering during dry conditions. You will be rewarded each year with the return of these bright attractive plants to liven up your otherwise sparse dark areas.

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