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Hosta plantain is a perennial low shrub that is often used for carpet plantings. It has beautiful foliage and fragrant white flowers. It is mainly grown in the regions of Central Our Country, since it does not have high winter hardiness.
Description of plantain hosta
Hosta plantain is sometimes called plantain lily. This is a perennial flowering shrub with relatively tall peduncles (up to 45-50 cm high). Inflorescences are short and dense, flowers appear in late July – early August. Petals are painted in white, cream colors. The length of the flowers is 10-13 cm. Flowering in the climatic conditions of the middle zone may be irregular, in the southern regions it is stable.
Tubular flowers of plantain hosta exude a tangible pleasant aroma
The bush is quite compact, up to 50-60 cm in diameter. The leaves are large (up to 28 cm long, 20 cm wide), oval in shape, heart-shaped. They are distinguished by a shiny, slightly wrinkled surface with 7 pairs of veins. The edges have an almost even edge, slightly wavy. Hosta plantain belongs to the sun-loving varieties, while it also tolerates weak shading (several hours a day). With proper care, the bush grows quickly, but still remains compact.
Hosta plantain is distinguished not only by beautiful flowers, but also by decorative leaves.
The winter hardiness of green plantain hosta is not too high – it may not withstand extreme frosts below -25 degrees (zone 4). Therefore, the recommended growing regions include:
- Moscow region and the middle lane;
- the Volga region;
- Chernozem region;
- South of Our Country.
Varieties of plantain hosta
In nature, the host plantain Hosta Plantaginea grows in Japan and East China. And in cultural conditions, 2 varieties are cultivated – Aphrodite and Grandiflora.
Grandiflora
Hosta plantain grandiflora is often used for carpet plantings – both in compositions with other plants, and in solitary (separate) plantings. It has beautiful foliage and tall flower stalks. Appropriately looks in rock gardens and next to small ponds.
This type of plantain hosta has beautiful bright green foliage with a glossy surface.
Aphrodite
Hosta plantain Aphrodite is a large bush, flower stalks grow up to 50 cm in height. At the same time, the flowers are also large, pure white, double, give a strong aroma.
This psyllium hosta grows fast and prefers light shade over full sun.
Application in landscape design
Plantain hosta looks good:
- in solitary, carpet plantings (its lush foliage completely covers the ground and forms a homogeneous landscape);
- in mixborders with other colors;
- in rock gardens;
- on open lawns;
- next to water bodies.
The bush goes well with such plants:
- marsh iris;
- Honeysuckle;
- lavender;
- lily;
- lamb;
- understudy;
- marigold;
- forget-me-not;
- astilba and others.
Breeding methods
You can breed hosta plantain:
- cuttings;
- division of the bush;
- from the meristem (only in industrial conditions).
Most often, in practice, the method of propagation by dividing the bush is used, since it is he who is the most simple and effective. This can be done at the end of spring or summer (it is better to take adult plants at the age of 4-5 years). The instruction is as follows:
- With the help of a pitchfork, a shovel and a knife, carefully dig out a bush. To do this, the pitchfork is placed in the ground and pushed apart as wide as possible, and the bush itself is taken out with a shovel. If necessary, trim the roots with a knife.
- The bush is divided into several parts so that each has at least 1 pair of rosettes of leaves.
- Bushes are planted at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other.
- Water abundantly and feed regularly (3 times per season).
Planting plantain hosta
It is best to plant the hosta in late spring, when the snow finally melts, the first foliage appears, and the threat of returning frosts disappears. In the middle lane, this is the end of April or even the beginning of May, in the south – the first half of April. At the same time, it is desirable to prepare the site in the fall – dig to a shallow depth of 30-40 cm and fill in a layer of any organic fertilizer (up to 10 cm).
Another planting option is in early autumn (until mid-September or early October in the southern regions). Then the soil is not pre-prepared – it just needs to be cleaned, dug a little and thoroughly moistened just a few hours before planting. Hostas should be planted at least 3-4 weeks before the first frost.
The bush takes root well even on moderately fertile soils. In this case, the soil should be light, loose and well moistened. The reaction of the environment can be either neutral or moderately acidic or moderately alkaline (pH from 5 to 8). It is better to choose an open site, with light shading from trees, bushes or buildings.
Most hostas like good shade, but plantain is best planted in low shade so that it can produce flowers.
When buying a bush, you need to pay attention to the rhizome: it must have at least 1 growth bud, and even better 2-3. The roots should look healthy and fairly developed (more than 10 cm long). If they dry out, they may die. Also, no signs of disease, mold or rot are allowed.
The planting algorithm for plantain hosta is as follows:
- A planting hole is dug in the prepared area – it should be wider than the rhizomes so that they fit freely in the soil. In depth up to 30-40 cm.
- Rotted manure and compost soil are added to the soil in equal amounts, half as much peat and a few pinches of sand. If the soil is acidic, you can add a glass of wood ash.
- The soil is covered up to 2/3 of the height and watered thoroughly.
- Then they sprinkle again (but not tightly) and lay out a small layer of 2 cm mulch (needles, sawdust).
Growing rules
Gardeners note that hosts are one of the most unpretentious crops, and the plantain variety is no exception in this regard. Providing proper care is quite simple. Water regularly, but in moderation. The surface of the soil should be slightly damp, in the presence of rain, additional moisture is not needed. During the dry season, the plant needs regular watering.
Top dressing is applied 3 times per season:
- In April, ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen fertilizers are added.
- In early August (when flowering starts) – superphosphates and potassium salt or complex mineral fertilizer.
- In late August or early September, you can feed with a similar composition, following the dosage according to the instructions.
Throughout the season, it is recommended to keep a small layer of mulch, which will ensure long-term conservation of moisture in the soil, as well as drown out the growth of weeds. It is recommended to loosen the soil once a month – this is especially important for young bushes.
Preparation for winter
Many gardeners believe that it is not necessary to prune the hosta for the winter, as it will survive the dormant period well, even with foliage. On the other hand, the bush can be trimmed for decorative purposes. To do this, take a pruner and remove all foliage, leaving only small stumps up to 10 cm tall. This should be done before frost, when all the leaves of the bush are already turning yellow.
The host does not need special top dressing for the winter – the last time fertilizers are applied in late August or early September. However, shock watering (a bucket of water) can be provided if the autumn turned out to be dry.
Plantain hosta is not very winter hardy, so it is better to cover it additionally for the winter. The roots are mulched with sawdust, spruce branches, peat, laying out a layer of 4-5 cm. It is not necessary to cover the plant specially, especially in the southern regions. But in the middle lane, young bushes (up to 3-4 years old) can be wrapped in burlap or spandbond.
As soon as all the leaves of the plantain hosta turn yellow, they can be cut for the winter.
Diseases and pests
Plantain hosta is quite resistant to various diseases – it is extremely rarely exposed to diseases. If there are signs of fungal infections (powdery mildew, rust, and others), it should be treated with any fungicide (Skor, Maxim, Bordeaux liquid).
However, the plant is often affected by various pests, and not only by insects:
- slippery;
- beetles;
- caterpillars;
- leafy nematodes;
- rodents.
To prevent their invasion, it is necessary to observe moderate watering, timely fertilization and mulching. Rodents are disposed of with methylaldehyde or the Thunderstorm bait, which is sold in capsules. Slugs and beetles are harvested by hand. If insect pests are found, they are treated with any insecticide (Karate, Konfidor, Aktellik and others).
The slug is one of the main pests of the plantain hosta.
Conclusion
Plantain hosta is an almost exotic variety that can not be grown in all regions of Our Country. However, the plant takes root well in the middle lane and in the south. It does not bloom regularly, but every year it decorates the garden with its attractive and lush foliage.
