Perennials: Hosta
 |
25cm-1.2m (10in-48in) |
 |
30cm-60cm (1-2ft) |
 |
July - August |
 |
Well-drained soil |
 |
Part shade to full shade
|
 |
Slugs and snails |
 |
Requiresa rich, moist soil |
 |
Medium |
 |
Low |
Hosta
Common Name: Hosta
Family: Liliaceae
Native Range: None
Bloom Color: White to lavender
The Hosta is an herbaceous perennial grown, primarily, for it rich and varied foliage. The leaves of the hosta are bold and textured which grow in a heart or lance shape. Many species of hosta have splendidly variegated leaves which can add incredible interest to an otherwise dull part of the garden. With such unique foliage there is little wonder that, as well as being incredibly popular with the gardener, the hosta is used extensively by flower arrangers.
These wonderful garden perennials grow in mounds (or clumps) of mid to dark green, gray-green or blue-green leaves. Those plants which are variegated have distinctive markings of various colors, usually silvery, white yellow or a heavily contrasting shade of green. The flowers of the hosta appear from mid summer and are usually clusters or spikes of bell or funnel shaped blooms of various shades of white, mauve, lavender and purple, suspended on raised stalks. Although the flowers are not very spectacular, when compared to other garden perennials, they do add interest to shaded areas of the any garden.
More about Hotstas below, after this video presentation
Cultivation of Hostas
Most species of hosta grow in well-drained soil which remains moist however they grow best is the ground is enriched with well rotted compost or leaf-mould. Fertile and humus rich soil is crucial for successfully growing hostas and they can grow well in almost any soil, such as heavy clay soils, sandy soils or even limy soils if a sufficient amount of humus is added.
Although the hosta can grow well in full sun growing them in semi-shade (woodland or around trees), or full shade, will greatly enhance the color of the foliage is especially apparent in variegated varieties. It should be noted that, if you grow hostas in full sun, you will need to keep a close eye on the moisture levels of the soil ensuring that it never dries out. When grown in full sun the hosta will develop much paler leaves which may appear yellow but the plant will flowers will grow far better.
Plant between the middle of autumn to early spring but ensure that this is carried out during milder periods.
Propagation
The Hosta is best propagated by the division of the plants. Plant the crowns as the new growth emerges. Before dividing, you should allow hosta plants to grow for at least three to five years, so that the leaves may reach maturity. This is the best way to increase cultivars.
Hostas can also be grown from seed which should be sown, in a shaded area of the greenhouse, at a shallow depth (only just covering the seed). Keep the compost moist at all times and try to maintain the temperature around 10°c and germination should occur after a month but can take up to three months. When large enough, prick out seedlings and grow on, in individual pots, in the greenhouse over wintering them there during their first winter. You hosta can be planted out in the following spring when all sign of frost has past. Unfortunately cultivars will not grow true when grown from seed.
Pest, Diseases and Other Problems
Slugs and snails can be a severe problem as they will eat the leaves to such a degree that it could lead to the death of your hosta. Although hostas can, sometimes, develop leaf spots or crown rot, they are usually considered trouble free, low maintenance garden perennials.
Frost can seriously damage the leaves of a hosta.
Boommark this:
More articles about perennials:
More very soon...
