hosta

Hosta 'Tattoo' should be watered deeply and regularly, approximately once or twice a week. To water the plant properly, wait until the soil is dry a couple of inches below the surface then provide enough water to deeply and thoroughly saturate the soil. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between watering to prevent excess moisture build-up. During the growing season, continue regular watering, adjusted to temperature, soil type and season. In the heat of summer, you may need to water more frequently. While the plant is actively growing and producing leaves, avoid letting the soil dry out completely. During the dormant period (winter) reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks.

Hosta 'Tattoo' should receive full morning sun and light afternoon shade. This will ensure the plant gets enough sunlight for optimal growth and flowering, while avoiding excessive heat and sunburn. The ideal amount of sunlight for this species of hosta is between 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. If grown in a cooler climate, such as a shaded area or indoors, the plant should receive about 3-4 hours of intense, direct sun per day. In hotter climates, such as full sun outdoor locations, the plant should receive no more than 4-6 hours of direct sun per day. Too much sun can be stressful for the plant and can cause sunburn on the leaves. It's best to provide some filtration of the sunlight such as with a light shade cloth or curtains.

For Hosta 'Tattoo', pruning should be done twice a year, once in early spring and then again in late summer. In early spring, before any signs of new growth, you can remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage. Using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears, cut down the foliage to 2-3 inches in height. In late summer, after the plant has finished blooming, trim any dead leaves or flowers as close to the base of the stem as possible. You may also want to remove any foliage damaged by heat or insects. When pruning, remember to keep the plant looking balanced by removing any foliage from the center of the hosta, and snipping any foliage that is particularly long or out of proportion.