Answers to the 5 most important questions about growing hosts

In European countries, the hosta is the most common plant used for landscaping. But in our country, too, it has been quite popular lately. The main advantage of the hosta is its large leaves of various colors and textures. Race-shaped inflorescences, which consist of small flowers, also attract attention. This plant is often grown at home, but it also feels good outdoors.

What kind of soil is suitable for the host?

The host can grow without special feeding, but it is necessary to pay enough attention to it. Frequent replanting of the bush is not required, as well as its division. This can be done not earlier than 4-5 years of age. It is better to plant the plant in partial shade, it will not grow in the sun, and the leaves will be pale.

The plant prefers moist, neutral, slightly acidified, well-draining soil. For planting, the soil has been prepared since autumn. To do this, the site is fertilized with any organic matter and dug up the ground. The plant can be planted from late summer to mid-September. If you do this later, then it may not take root in the frost.

Host. How to plant in open ground?

The plant is planted in special holes to a depth of 2-3 cm more than they grew before. When planting, the roots must be straightened, sprinkled with soil and watered. Next, the soil is mulched with sawdust.

Sometimes hosts are planted in groups, then they are spaced 30-80 cm apart. Everything will depend on the type of plant. if the bush is very spreading, then the distance must be set aside about a meter.

Host. How to properly water the plant?

The hosta has rather lush leaves that evaporate a lot of moisture, which means that it needs to be watered in hot weather. When watering, a strong pressure should not be allowed, otherwise the soil around the flower will be compacted. The host also does not like strong waterlogging. This is especially true for young plants. It is necessary to water so that the soil is soaked by 10 cm. Mature plants take root deep enough, so they no longer need abundant watering.

Darkening of the tips of the leaves indicates a lack of moisture. In addition to watering, it is necessary to spray the leaves. This should be done in the morning or evening, otherwise the sun will leave burns.

Water the plant with a small stream under the root. If water gets on the leaves, they can deteriorate and attract snails and slugs.

How to feed the host?

The host loves organic matter (compost, manure), while it is better to apply it in the fall. This will allow the plants to withstand the winter cold and give them strength for the next season.

You can mulch the hostu with organic matter once every 3 years, and the rest of the time it is better to leave only mineral fertilizers. Moreover, it is better to use fertilizers in granules. But before sprinkling them around the hosta, it needs to be watered. You can also use liquid fertilizers for feeding. They are applied twice a month until mid-summer. And after that, all feeding is stopped.

How to shelter a host for the winter?

Hosta is a winter-hardy perennial. Its leaves must be cut off in autumn, leaving up to 10 cm from the soil surface. After that, the roots are covered with garden soil.