Every hosta from Funckia is delivered as a bare-root division, always 2 plants of the same variety per pack. On this page we explain what that means, how big the different varieties grow and how we check every plant before it leaves Voorhout.
In short
- Form: bare-root division with healthy roots and one or more buds (eyes).
- Pack: 2 plants of the same variety.
- Season: shipped 1 March – 1 July, ready to plant.
- Guarantee: 100% growing guarantee on every plant.
What is a bare-root division?
A division is a piece of a mature hosta, lifted from the field and split by the grower. It has a crown with one or more buds and a healthy root system, but no soil and usually no leaves yet. This is how hostas are traditionally traded in spring: the plants are dormant or just waking up, so they travel well and root quickly once planted.
Compared with potted plants, bare-root divisions are lighter and more sustainable to ship, and you plant them straight into the garden or a pot. In the first season they form leaves and roots; from the second or third year they grow into a full clump. Our guides to bare-root hostas and your hosta's first year explain this in more detail.
How big will your hosta grow?
The size of a hosta depends on the variety. On every product page we show the expected mature size, and our collections are grouped by size:
| Size group | Typical height | Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature & small | up to about 30 cm (miniatures under 20 cm) | about 30 cm |
| Medium | about 30–45 cm | about 50 cm |
| Large & giant | 45 cm and more, often over 1 m wide | 75–100 cm |
Heights are approximate for mature plants after 3–5 years. Soil, light and water have a big influence on the final size. More on sizes and colours in our guide to hosta varieties.
How we check every plant
- Variety: every division is labelled with its variety name; we check it when the plants arrive and again when we pack your order.
- Roots and buds: we check for a healthy root system and at least one firm, visible bud.
- Plant health: plants with signs of rot, disease or damage are not shipped. Read how to recognise Hosta Virus X.
- Freshness: divisions are kept cool and moist until they are packed.
Dutch-Bulbs B.V. is a registered member of the BKD, the Dutch inspection service for flower bulbs and related planting material (member number 02912), and holds phytosanitary registration NL-131701878.
Packaging
Your plants are packed so that the roots stay moist and protected during transport. Please open the box as soon as it arrives and plant the divisions within a few days; see our planting and care guide.
Our 100% growing guarantee
If a plant arrives in poor condition, is the wrong variety, or does not grow even though you followed our instructions, we send a free replacement or refund the price. Report damage or a wrong variety within 48 hours of delivery with a photo. See returns and refunds.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my hosta have no leaves when it arrives?
That is normal for a bare-root division in spring. The leaves appear a few weeks after planting, depending on the weather. See hosta not coming up?
How many buds does a division have?
At least one firm bud; many divisions have more. The number varies by variety: miniatures naturally form smaller divisions than giant hostas.
Why do I get 2 plants?
Hostas look best in groups, and two plants of the same variety give you a fuller effect sooner, or one plant for a pot and one for the border.