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Khosta plantain refers to perennial low shrubs that are often used for carpet planting. It features beautiful foliage and fragrant white flowers. It is mainly grown in the regions of Central Russia, since it does not have high winter hardiness.
Description of plantain hosts
Hosta plantain is sometimes called plantain lily. This is a perennial flowering shrub with relatively high peduncles (up to 45-50 cm in height). Inflorescences are short and dense, flowers appear in late July - early August. The petals are white, cream colored. The length of the flowers is 10-13 cm. Flowering in the climatic conditions of the middle zone can be irregular, in the southern regions - stable.
The tubular flowers of the hosta plantain give off a noticeable 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, heart-shaped in shape. They are distinguished by a shiny, slightly wrinkled surface with 7 pairs of veins. The edges have an almost even edge, slightly wavy. Khosta 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.
Khosta plantain is distinguished not only by beautiful flowers, but by decorative leaves.
Winter hardiness of the green hosta plantain is not too high - it may not withstand extreme frosts below -25 degrees (zone 4). Therefore, the recommended growing regions include the following:
- Moscow region and middle lane;
- Volga region;
- Black earth;
- South of Russia.
Plantain hosta varieties
Hosta Plantaginea naturally grows in Japan and Eastern China. And in cultural conditions, 2 varieties are cultivated - Aphrodite and Grandiflora.
Grandiflora
Khosta plantain Grandiflora is often used for carpet plantings - both in compositions with other plants and in solitary (separate) plantings. Differs in beautiful foliage and high peduncles. Looks appropriate in the rock garden and next to small bodies of water.
This species of plantain hosta is distinguished by 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. Moreover, the flowers are also large, pure white, double, and give a strong aroma.
This variety of plantain hosta grows quickly, while preferring light shade rather than abundant 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 bodies of water.
The bush goes well with such plants:
- marsh iris;
- lungwort;
- lavender;
- lily;
- lucid;
- undergrowth;
- marigold;
- forget-me-not;
- astilba and others.
Breeding methods
You can dilute the plantain host:
- cuttings;
- dividing the bush;
- from the meristem (only in industrial conditions).
Most often, in practice, the method of reproduction by dividing the bush is used, since it is he who is the simplest and most effective. This can be done in late 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, they carefully dig out the bush. To do this, put the pitchfork in the ground and push it 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 leaf rosettes.
- Bushes are planted at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other.
- Water it abundantly and feed it regularly (3 times per season).
Planting plantain hosts
It is best to plant the host in late spring, when the snow finally melts, the first foliage appears, the threat of return 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. In this case, it is advisable to prepare the site in the fall - to dig it 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 up a little and thoroughly moistened literally a few hours before planting. The host is planted at least 3-4 weeks before the onset of 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 medium can be either neutral or moderately acidic or moderately alkaline (pH from 5 to 8). It is better to choose a plot open, with light shading from trees, bushes or buildings.
Most host likes 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 appear healthy and well developed (over 10 cm in length). If they are dried, they may die. Also, no signs of disease, mold or rot are allowed.
The planting algorithm for plantain hosts 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. Up to 30-40 cm deep.
- 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 sprinkle it again (but not tightly) and spread a small layer of mulch 2 cm (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 fairly straightforward. Water regularly, but in moderation. The soil surface should be slightly damp; in the presence of rain, additional moisture is not needed. During the dry period, the plant needs mandatory regular watering.
Top dressing is applied 3 times per season:
- Ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen fertilizers are added in April.
- In early August (when flowering begins) - superphosphates and potassium salt or complex mineral fertilizer.
- In late August or early September, you can feed with a similar composition, observing the dosage according to the instructions.
It is recommended to keep a small layer of mulch throughout the season, which will ensure long-term conservation of moisture in the soil, as well as drown out weed growth.It is recommended to loosen the soil once a month - this is especially important for young bushes.
Preparing for winter
Many gardeners believe that pruning the hosta for the winter is not necessary, since 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 the foliage, leaving only small stumps up to 10 cm high. This must be done before frost, when all the leaves of the bush have already turned yellow.
The host does not need special feeding for the winter - the last time the fertilizer is applied is at the end of August or the beginning of September. However, shock irrigation (a bucket of water) can be provided if the fall is dry.
Khosta plantain is not highly winter-hardy, so it is better to additionally cover it for the winter. The roots are mulched with sawdust, spruce branches, peat, spreading 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 hosta plantain turn yellow, they can be cut off 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 insects:
- slugs;
- beetles;
- caterpillars;
- deciduous nematodes;
- rodents.
In order to prevent their invasion, it is necessary to observe moderate watering, timely fertilization and mulching. Rodents are eliminated with methylaldehyde or Thunderstorm bait, which is sold in capsules. Slugs and beetles are harvested by hand. If pests are found, they are treated with any insecticide ("Karate", "Confidor", "Aktellik" and others).
Slug is one of the main pests of plantain hosts
Conclusion
Khosta plantain is an almost exotic variety that can not be grown in all regions of Russia. 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.
