Hosta failure to thrive

I've got a Frances Williams - which should be a very big hosta - just sitting doing nothing. It's been in a dry spot near the house wall under the shade of a vitis, mainly. It's grown to about 6" but has some withered leaves on. I've dug it up, checked the roots for maggotty little visitors and repotted in some rich compost. The roots looked pretty poor for what should be a vigorous plant. Now it's standing with the base of the pot in the pond.
I've got another one which has been in a similarly dry spot which has had the same treatment. Both these plants did much better a few years ago.

Was it just lack of moisture and nutrients that have caused this or is there some dire hosta blight which could cause it? And have I done the right thing to gee them up a bit?

 

Although they have fleshy roots that help them survive drought, they do need regular watering, and I personally wouldn't choose a dry spot for them. But if they have been thriving there for a number of years the problem is probably something else (but its the driest Spring for a 100 years in this part of the country ...)

 

I don't know of any dire hosta blights except slugs :gaagh:
I think you're talking drought. Hostas really like it shady and damp.

 

I agree with Alice. They like shady and damp. Perhaps not always damp, but a really good watering every few days if it soil dries out easily. And especially in the beginning extra water is always necessary.

 

Having seen the way they respond to the climate in the Lake District I think you are all right. I'll see if it perks up.

 

I have never known a hosta fail to thrive
They do need moisture though, and I think that must be your problem ......

 

Agree that lake of moisture the main problem .I have some in the ground and some in pots and I always water both well ..
Dave