I planted my humpback whale hosta in mostly shade. All other hostas do well in this location. It has about 5 or six leaves and is about dinner plate size in circumference.
You would think with a name like that it would be gigantic by now. Hostas are typically slow growers and can take up to four years to mature, longer for the larger specimens. Is the soil rich and kept moist? Try adding some compost around the plant. It should be able to accept part shade to full shade so I don't think it is the location. Give it another season and if you don't see some growth, you might move it to a slightly brighter location. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/transplanting-hostas.htm
It might slow it down a little, but it shouldn't be stunted. Hostas do well in containers. I have a large container with two hostas in it that have been there for two years. If you are digging it up to put it in a container be sure to get as much of the rootball as possible. Water it well before traveling.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/relocate-plants-safely.htm
I recently moved into a new home but have zero gardening skills. I'd like to move 2 hostas and 2 other plants(not sure what they are) from the pitiful backyard to the shaded front yard. When should I do this (next spring or right now)? How should they be arranged in the front yard? Also should I cut back the trees in front when the leaves have fallen and how much should I be taking is down?
Early fall is a great time for this project. Here's a helpful article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/transplanting-hostas.htm
In the next picture, I would wait a season to see if the two shrubs bloom. Then you will know when to prune, if needed. If they bloom in spring, generally prune immediately after blooming. If they don't bloom till summer or fall, it's usually safe to prune in spring.
The small tree on the right looks like a Japanese maple and they are pruned in late winter, if needed.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-care.htm
I need to transplant some host as.... how much if the originals plant cluster do I need to dig up?
The whole thing. Divide them into individual plants. Each will have its own crown. You can choose to leave larger clusters if you want. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/dividing-hosta-plants.htm
I have seen some pretty placements of hosta that complement each other. do you have a suggestion what to plant in an area about 18 feet long and 3 feet deep gets an east and south sun up against the house. what would be a nice grouping. i see some hostas that are stand alone and don't look very nice, usually the two tone green.
Here's an article with the names of different hosta plants.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/types-of-hosta-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/growing-hosta-plants.htm
However, this is likely too sunny of an area for hosta that thrive in a shady area. You would need to water them more to prevent scorching or plant shrubs in between that would give them some shade. I would find a shadier location for your hosta and plant some nice foundation shrubs for zone 5.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/foundation-plants.htm
I have divided several hostas and rose of sharon into garden pots. Where is the best spot to store them over the winter. I am hoping to move soon and want to take some of them with me. Thanks for your help. Love your website - it is so helpful!
Hostas in pots will do well outside in a protected area as long as they are mulched well. If you want to be doubly safe, you can winter them in a garage or basement near a window and water sparingly over the winter. Rose of Sharon will need to be stored in a cool location as well, such as a garage or basement.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-winter-care.htm
I just cut my hostas and elephant ear plants back for winter. Is it ok to use my pine needles to cover them for the cold season?
I would recommend wheat straw over pine straw. Pine will tend to make the soil too acidic as it breaks down over the winter.
Here are some articles that will help you with using mulches:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/best-mulch-for-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-inorganic-mulch-in-gardens.htm