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Hosta Albopicta is popular among both professionals and people taking their first steps on the path of gardening. The plant highlights the contrasting color of the leaves against the general background, and one of its advantages is the possibility of cultivating the variety in shady areas of the garden.
Description of Hosta Fortune Albopicta
In the botanical reference books of the world, the Albopicta host is referred to in Latin as “Hosta fortunei Albopicta”. This culture has been known since the XNUMXth century, thanks to two botanists: Nikolaus Host and Heinrich Funk. Each of the scientists studied the plant, however, the first description of the Albopicta hosta was made by the Austrian Host, in whose honor the variety got its name. Initially, the hosta was cultivated only in large botanical gardens, but over time it ended up in private collections of breeders. Today you can meet the Albopicta host in the dachas and household plots of central Our Country, despite the fact that Southeast Asia, Japan and the Far East are considered to be its habitat.
The culture is a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a height of 40 to 70 cm and growing up to 80 cm in diameter. The leaf plates of the Albopicta host are elongated, heart-shaped, glossy, with a slightly wavy leaf structure. They can reach a length of 35-30 cm. Initially, the leaves are characterized by a yellowish-green tint with a darker edging along the edge of the plate. By the end of the summer period, the leaves acquire a more uniform dull green hue.
The leaves of the plant can change color
The inflorescences of the hosta “Albopicta” are presented in the form of bells of a pale purple palette, which are located on a high pedicel. The height of the latter is 60-70 cm. The beginning of flowering is the first decade of July. The end is the last weeks of August.
Hosta inflorescences in the form of bells and funnels, have different colors
Hosta belongs to the shade-tolerant type of plants, with low demands on lighting. One of the advantages of the variety is its unpretentiousness in care. Hosta “Albopicta” – a variety with a slow growth rate. In the first 2 years, the color of the leaf plates of the variety does not have its own specific color. Leaves acquire their original texture only in the 3rd year.
Plants of the “Fortuna” species are known for good frost resistance. They calmly tolerate low temperatures down to -35 ° C, which, combined with unpretentiousness, makes them ideal for the middle lane and northern regions.
The following advantages of Albopicta hosts can be distinguished:
- low lighting requirements;
- unpretentiousness;
- relatively high degree of growth;
- decorative;
- simplicity of agricultural technology.
Among the shortcomings can be mentioned a modest flowering in the form of pale bells and the average height of the plant.
Application in landscape design
Hosta “Albopicta” can be very organically fit into the garden “interior”, which is what landscape designers use.
Bushes with a height of more than 60 cm are planted singly. They are completely self-sufficient and do not require additional environment. Plants also look good in the zone of artificial reservoirs (pond, pool), harmoniously coexist with other types of moisture-loving crops.
When choosing “partners” for hosts, one should be guided not only by agrotechnical requirements, but also by the color of the plants. Contrasting compositions of yellow-green “Albopicta” and bright pink peonies look especially impressive. A successful tandem is created by hosts with blooming astilbes in lavender or burgundy shades. The slightly rough stonework of the flower beds only emphasizes the charm and simplicity of this plant. Organic culture and in combination with bright garden geraniums.
The plant is successfully used to decorate borders, paths and garden paths.
Undersized hostas can create a beautiful environment for the variegated daylily. Leaves look great with a gradient against the background of conifers. In shady areas, Albopictu can be combined with fern and thuja.
Hostas are planted separately or in groups near artificially created reservoirs and in flower beds.
The host of this species often acts as a groundcover. To achieve a similar effect, Albopicta is planted at the rate of 4-5 seedlings per 1 m².
Breeding methods
You can propagate the hosta yourself. For this, as a rule, 3 methods are used:
- reproduction by seeds;
- division;
- cuttings.
The first method is more laborious and is used in most cases by breeders. Seeds are soaked in a stimulator, after which they are placed in tightly packed soil to a depth of 5-7 mm and covered with perlite. The optimum temperature for sowing and germination of Albopicta hosta is +20 °C. The first sprouts can be observed on the 14-15th day.
The most popular way is division. Use this method for 4-5 years after planting the plant in the ground. The bushes are divided in the spring, selecting the required number of “dividings”. In this case, it is not even necessary to dig out the main plant. The main condition is not to damage the uterine bush. Planting material is planted at the same depth as the main host, and actively watered until rooting.
You can plant cuttings or “delenki” or use purchased planting material
Cuttings are carried out from mid-May to July. For this, young, well-separated shoots with small leaves are selected. Too large sheet plates can be cut off by about a third. They are planted in the shade and also well watered until they take root.
Landing algorithm
Landing is carried out in the last months of spring or the first days of autumn. Host “Albopicta” is not demanding on the composition of the soil. However, it grows best on light, slightly moist loams with a lot of humus. At the same time, too high humidity negatively affects the growth of the crop.
The host feels good in the shade and partial shade, is not afraid of light drafts. Planting material can be bought in specialized nurseries or made by yourself by dividing the mother plant.
The Albopicta hosta landing algorithm is as follows:
- Form landing pits up to 22-25 cm deep.
- Fill each hole with a mixture of fertile soil and fertilizers (superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate).
- Plant the crop so that the root neck is on the surface.
- Mulch everything with peat or sawdust.
Growing rules
The basic care of the Albopicta hosta is not much different from standard agricultural technology. A lush bush also requires watering, feeding and pruning.
Variety “Albopicta” refers to moisture-loving varieties. However, it is very important not to “flood” the hosts. The best way out in this situation will be a well-organized drip irrigation. Water the culture under the bush, trying not to wet the leaves, which have a thin wax coating. After watering, the soil is carefully loosened.
After planting, the host continues to develop for another 2 years, and only in the 3rd year acquires all the characteristic features of the variety
The appearance of the crop depends on competent feeding: the color of the leaves, their elasticity, the total green mass.
Fertilizers are applied under the bush in 3 stages:
- In spring, the culture is fertilized with a large amount of nitrogenous complexes that stimulate growth and development.
- In summer, mineral complexes are added, for example, Osmokot and easily digestible chelates, which affect the intensity of leaf color.
- In autumn, before wintering, the Albopicta variety is fed with phosphorus and potassium.
Mulching is necessary to regulate soil moisture and create good air conditions for the root system of the hosta.
Used as mulch:
- crushed bark;
- agrotextile;
- leaves and dry grass;
- needles;
- crushed cones;
- peat.
Mulch provides nutrition to the plant and prevents the soil from drying out.
Taking care of the Albopicta host is simple and does not require much time.
Preparation for winter
Variety “Albopicta” – hardy. However, in the northern regions it is still necessary to take measures to shelter the plant.
Most experts are sure that it is not necessary to prune the bushes before wintering. However, some gardeners still prune as soon as all the leaves turn yellow on the hosta.
The plant is transplanted only at the end of spring
At the end of autumn, the last top dressing is organized. The fertilizers used must contain phosphorus and potassium. Good options are ready-made mineral complexes or a mixture of potassium sulfate with superphosphate. Adherents of organic farming use natural bone meal and wood ash.
In the middle lane, you do not need to cover the Albopicta host completely. It is enough to mulch the soil in the area adjacent to the bush. In the northern regions, agrofibre can be used.
Diseases and pests
In the heat, “Albopictu” is often attacked by a spider mite. A sign of its presence on the plant are twisted leaves. As a means of struggle, you can use drugs such as Fitoverm, Aktellik or Akarin.
Another enemy of Albopicta hosts are snails. The fight against them is carried out with the help of mini-fences, barley husks, wood ash and stone flour. Of the biological products, “Bioslimax” is suitable.
To prevent insect attacks, you can sprinkle the bushes with tobacco or ashes in the spring.
Unprotected hosts are prone to infection with powdery mildew or anthracnose. For prevention, the leaves are treated with Quadris, Skor, Match and Aktara.
In 1996, the HVX virus was discovered in the state of Minnesota (USA), which affects all hosta varieties. It is transmitted through plant sap, pollen or insects, and the incubation period takes several years. The virus is not treatable, so the diseased culture is simply destroyed.
Conclusion
Hosta Albopicta is an unpretentious lush plant that can decorate any garden plot with itself. High frost resistance allows it to be cultivated not only in the middle lane, but also in the Urals and Siberia.
Reviews
Most reviews of the Albopicta variety are positive.
