Hosta - planting and caring for the most popular varieties in open ground

Every gardener wants to revitalize their garden plot; a perennial plant, the white hosta, is perfect for this. This plant is quite unpretentious when planted and does not require special care. The flower is popular among landscape designers as its leaves can come in different colors and shapes.

Hosta is valued by gardeners not for its flowers, but for its beautiful leaves. It will be an excellent decoration for the garden from early spring to late autumn.

It is best to grow white hosta in places protected from sunlight. Otherwise, dry spots may appear on the leaves, which is evidence of sunburn.

Important! It is categorically impossible to completely exclude the entry of daylight into the White Feather, since it loses its lush crown and sometimes even dies.

Planting in open ground

What time to plant

First of all, you need to choose a site that is best suited for growing such flowers. It must be remembered that such a plant is grown for a long time (about 20 years) in the same place without replanting, and from year to year it becomes more and more beautiful. For hosta, it is recommended to choose a slightly shaded area where there will be no drafts. However, it should be remembered that the more saturated the color of the foliage, the more light such a plant needs, the same applies to the presence of yellow and white areas on the surface of the leaf plate. For variegated varieties, it is recommended to choose a place that will be in the shade during the midday hours, and the rest of the time it will be illuminated by the sun. For varieties with blue leaves, you should choose a shaded place, and they need very little sunlight (about 2 hours a day will be enough). It has been noticed that in strong shade hostas do not grow so quickly, but their leaf blades are larger and the bush is slightly taller.

Suitable soil should be moist, enriched with humus, well-drained, slightly acidic or neutral. These plants do not like sandy soil or heavy loam. If you are going to transplant seedlings into open ground in the spring, then you should start preparing the site in the fall. To do this, the surface of the site must be covered with a ten-centimeter layer of organic fertilizers. After this, the soil must be dug up to the depth of a bayonet shovel. In spring, hostas can be safely planted on the site. Such plants can be planted in open soil only if frosts are no longer expected. In mid-latitudes, this time usually falls on the last days of April and the first days of May.

How to plant hosta

Hosta: planting, care, propagation - 7dach

Between the holes you need to leave 30 to 60 centimeters of free space, and the size of the gaps is affected by the type of plant. If the hostas are of giant varieties, then at least 0.8–1 meters should be left between them. Hostas in pots should be watered generously several hours before planting. If you are replanting hostas and at the same time dividing a bush, then it is necessary to remove roots from the divisions that are dry, damaged or rotten. A seedling with a lump of earth is transferred into the hole or the division is lowered 2–3 centimeters below the soil surface

Then you need to carefully straighten the roots and fill the hole with soil, which should be compacted (not very hard). The hosta is watered generously. After this, the surface of the soil near the root should be sprinkled with mulch (a layer of fine bark)

After this, the surface of the soil near the root should be sprinkled with mulch (a layer of fine bark).

Planting and care

Plant the hosta in a permanent place in spring and autumn.

• In spring you need to wait until the frosts end. But you shouldn’t wait until hot weather: the plant should not begin to grow, much less bloom, before planting.
• If planting is planned for autumn, then it should be the end of August or the very beginning of September, since the hosta should have time to take root well before the onset of cold weather. Otherwise, she will not survive the winter.

How and where to plant

Hosta does not like heavy loamy soils and sandstones; it grows well in any other soil, especially fertile spruce. Therefore, when planting, humus or other organic fertilizers are added to the holes.

• Before planting, the soil is dug deeply.

Soil preparation

• The holes are made wide so that the roots can grow freely to the sides.
• Compost soil or manure, a little sand are poured into them, all this is mixed and spilled with water.

Fill the hole 2/3 full with compost.

• When planting, the roots need to be well straightened and make sure that the bud does not end up below ground level - it cannot be buried.

Landing in the ground

• The planting site needs to be watered again and mulched with a thin layer of peat.

The time of planting depends on the region: the main thing is that the frosts end and do not return.

When choosing a location, consider the type of plant. Thin-leaved hostas prefer shade, while plants with dense foliage need more light. On golden varieties, the sun should fall only in the mornings and evenings.

Hostas grow well in the shade

Note. Hostas should not be replanted throughout their life. Therefore, it is very important to find a suitable place for them, otherwise the plant will lose its decorative effect and expression of varietal colors. If you find it difficult to choose, prefer damp and dark areas.

How to care

Hosta is very unpretentious and requires practically no attention to itself. Therefore, caring for her is simple and pleasant.

The plant loves moist soil and humid air. In nature, it grows along the banks of reservoirs, in the shade of trees. These are the conditions that we need to try to provide for him.

• Hostas should be watered as the soil dries out, preferably in the evening. Do not overwater under any circumstances - this can lead to root rotting.

Humidity is an important condition for plant growth

• The bushes are fed only three times per season: in early spring at the beginning of growth, during flowering and after it. In this case, organic and mineral fertilizers are used alternately in the dosage indicated on the drug packaging.

Blooming hosta

• It is not advisable to loosen the soil under hostas, since their roots are located very close to the surface of the earth. It is better to mulch it so that the moisture does not evaporate and the soil does not become compacted after watering.

Mulching will make caring for the plant easier

• It is also unlikely that you will have to fight weeds, except at the beginning of growth. They usually don't grow under hostas because they don't have enough space or light underneath them.
• The hosta can only get sick due to improper watering, or if it grows in the wrong place. And dealing with its only pests – slugs – is also very simple. To do this, it is enough to mulch the soil around the bushes with fine crushed stone, crushed shell rock or wood chips. Slugs will not crawl onto such an unpleasant covering to get to the succulent leaves. Ordinary mulch can be mixed with tobacco dust and sprinkled with phytosporin.

Mulching with crushed stone

How to prepare a plant for winter

In regions with warm winters, preparation of hostas for wintering is not required - they survive the cold well, covered with their dead leaves. Therefore, there is no need to cut them in the fall.

Dying foliage after frost

And in the middle zone and to the north, plants need help so that the roots do not freeze during spring frosts after the snow melts. And also so that the buds that have barely broken through are not eaten by slugs.

• Firstly, the plant must be prevented from wasting energy on seed ripening. Therefore, the peduncle is cut off immediately after flowering.
• During the season, the soil under it must be periodically mulched with sawdust, mown grass, and peat. In the spring it will decompose, acting as an organic fertilizer.
• In addition to its own foliage, the hosta needs to be covered with spruce branches in the fall.

Shelter made of spruce branches

It is important! Non-breathable materials such as film or roofing felt cannot be used for covering. The plant under them will sap and be damaged by pests, which are happy to settle under a reliable “roof”.

Types and varieties of hostas with photos

Plants such as hostas are very popular in landscape design. At the moment there are more than 4 thousand varieties of hybrid hosta. However, the main species that served as a kind of material for creating all this diverse splendor are relatively few. The main species used by breeders:

Hosta curly

The bush reaches a height of 60 centimeters, its wide dark green leaf plates have a white border, for example: Dream Weaver;

Hosta tall

The bush reaches a height of 0.9 meters, large shiny leaves are painted dark green, for example: Tom Schmid;

Bush up to 50 centimeters high, green leaves edged with a cream stripe, for example: albopicta;

The bush is about 60 centimeters high, the veins are clearly visible on the leaf blades, for example: Elegans;

Hosta wavy

Height is about 75 centimeters, the edge of the leaf blades is wavy, the central part is white with a green border with strokes, for example: Undulata Mediovariegata;

The height is about 50 centimeters, the leaves have a pointed tip, for example: Thomas Hogg;

Hosta plantain

The height is approximately 50 centimeters, the shiny leaves are colored rich green, for example: Royal Standard.

Fashionable host varieties

Varieties are classified by size and color

Such plants are divided into 5 groups according to leaf color:

• hosta blue (hosta blue-B) - the color of the leaf blades is bluish-blue;
• hosta yellow (Go) - it includes all these plants that have yellow leaves;
• green hosta (Gr) - green leaves;
• Hosta variegata (V) - varieties with variegated foliage, and also varieties with a light edge along the edge of the leaf blade;
• Hosta mediavariegata (MV) - light-colored leaf blades have a green border along the edge.

There are 6 groups separating hosts by size:

1. Dwarf - bushes no higher than 10 centimeters, Draft (D): Blue Mouse Ears (leaf plates of light blue color are very similar to mouse ears).
2. Miniature - height varies from 10 to 15 centimeters, Miniature (Mini): La Donna (leaves are colored yellow, blue and green at the same time).
3. Small - height 16–25 centimeters, Small (S): Gold tone hosta (green leaf blades have a yellow or white stripe), Headsmen Blue (greenish-blue leaves).
4. Medium - height 30–50 centimeters, Medium (M, Med): Night Before Christmas (the leaves are dark green, and their central part is white), So Sweet (green leaf blades have a whitish-cream border), White Feather ( This unique plant has white leaves, but over time it acquires a green color).
5. Large - height 55–70 centimeters, Large (L): Alvatine Taylor (green-blue leaves have a yellow-green border), Golden Meadows (compressed round leaf plates have a golden center, a fairly wide greenish border and light green streaks ).
6. Giant - height more than 70 centimeters, Giant (G): Blue Vision (greenish-blue leaves), Sum of All (the central part of the leaf plate is green and has a golden border of quite large width).

Hosta in landscape design

Hostas are versatile plants that are indispensable in ornamental gardening. The planting distance is 30-35 cm, but the plants look good (especially large ones) if they are placed further apart (60-80 cm).

Hostas are suitable for planting:

• in curbs,
• mixborders,
• along the paths,
• in groups or alone on the lawn,
• in rocky gardens,
• reservoirs.

Hosta leaves, which create the main architecture of the plant, are ovate-elliptical, heart-shaped, round or lanceolate, pointed at the ends. This diversity allows them to be widely used in the landscape of any garden.

The leaves are an excellent cutting material for bouquets and flower arrangements, especially in low vases. They are good when dried, but they are difficult to transport.

Among the peoples of Southeast Asia, hostas are used as a food and medicinal plant.

How to achieve maximum decorativeness of hosta

In the first year after planting, the varietal characteristics of the plant are poorly expressed. The size, shape, color and texture of leaves, for example, in the yellow-leaved “Sharman” are fully manifested only in the 2-3rd year of planting.

• It takes at least 4-5 years for a hosta to reach its maximum decorative potential.
• In 8-10, it will look great and will not lose its attractiveness, remaining in one place for 15-20 years.

Every year the plant will form larger and larger leaves, acquire a shape characteristic of the variety, and show all the nuances of color. And looking at this beauty, you will have a hard time remembering the stunted creature with 2-3 leaves of uncertain shape and color that you once planted.

It is worth noting that the more interesting the variety, the slower it forms new rosettes.

Characteristics of the host plant

Hosta has a great advantage over other plants. It is characterized by the presence of many species and varieties, which differ in size, shape, color of leaves and inflorescences. By combining different hosts in the garden, you can bring to life the most daring design solutions and create original compositions.

The blooming hosta does not look particularly impressive. During this period, inconspicuous buds are formed. They are collected in a panicle and are located on a high peduncle. The shape is bell-shaped. They grow in the form of decorative brushes. But what attracts gardeners most is the lush green mass. Therefore, the plant is recognized as an ornamental deciduous plant. The greenery makes you happy until frost arrives. You can read an article about growing the best varieties and hybrids of verbena from seeds.

Rules for growing white hosta White Feather

Despite its unpretentiousness, the bush will require care for its full development.

In spring and summer, it is important to ensure that the soil is loose and moist. Weeds and plant debris should be regularly removed from around the bush.

Some leaves on the host may develop poorly or have a color uncharacteristic for the variety. They need to be removed in the early stages so that the bush does not waste nutrients on their growth.

From the description of Hosta White Feathers it follows that this plant loves moisture. In the warm season, watering is carried out 1-2 times a week. The frequency of watering is determined based on the amount of precipitation.

It is recommended to loosen the soil at least once a month. It is necessary to make the procedure more frequent if the weather was rainy. Due to precipitation, the soil becomes compacted, which prevents the normal functioning of the roots. When loosening, peat, tree bark and sawdust are added to the soil, which retain moisture in hot weather.

The perennial does not need to be fertilized for the first 4 years.

For hostas of the White Feather variety, both mineral and organic fertilizers are useful. During the growing season, liquid solutions with potassium and phosphorus should be used. It is recommended to add organic matter before flowering.

Hostas are best suited for:

• compost;
• a mixture of straw and manure;
• tree bark;
• humus.

Such fertilizers need to be applied under the soil around the bush. Organic matter should not be left on the surface, as it can attract pests.

Preparing for winter

The plant is resistant to low temperatures. Therefore, preparation for winter comes down to a minimum set of procedures.

In autumn, when flowering is over, the buds are cut off, leaving stems 6-8 cm long.

Hosta is very hardy and winter-hardy, so they do not need shelter.

Then you need to fertilize the bush with a potassium phosphate solution and treat it with a fungicide. The last feeding is carried out at the end of September. In the future, fertilizers are not applied so that the flower prepares for winter in a natural way.

To protect from freezing, the root part of the hosta is covered with soil. Sawdust, peat and straw are used as mulch. When persistent cold weather sets in, you need to cut off the stems with the remaining leaves.

The bush should be covered with coniferous branches. You can also use agril or breathable film. The bush cannot be covered with materials that do not allow oxygen to pass through, otherwise it will rot.

Recommendations

Professional advice will help you grow healthy specimens.

If the edges of the leaves darken, you need to increase watering. Dying leaves must be removed before winter, otherwise they will become a sticky film by spring. In spring, hosta sprouts emerge from the soil quite late, so it is important not to damage the plants when digging. After flowering, the bush loses its shape, so to make the leaves more decorative, you need to tear off the flower stalks at the stage of their formation, and also cut off the flower shoots that appear in July. This will help maintain the compact shape of the bush. If there is no flowering, if it is not a late variety, the bush needs thinning.

What do different types of hostas look like?

Hosta is a not very numerous (about 40 species) genus of plants of the lily family. Outwardly, these are low rosette perennial plants: hostas are dense bushes formed by basal leaves. They have thickened rhizomes with numerous thread-like roots. They grow in shady forests on moist, fertile soils.

Hosta flowers are funnel-shaped, on raised peduncles, varying in color from white to purple. Although not devoid of beauty, flowers are still not the main decorative advantage of hostas. Their decoration is graceful leaves, collected in dense basal rosettes, with a diameter of 20 to 100 cm. In different types and varieties of hosta, the leaves vary in size (from miniature, match-length, to almost half a meter), shape (from narrow-lanceolate to heart-shaped), and color (from light and dark green to gray-blue). The leaf blades of some hosta species and varieties have yellow and white streaks or stripes of varying widths and shapes. The edges of the leaves are wavy, and the tip is elongated and curled.

Hosta is distinguished by a rare stability of its decorative effect - from the moment the leaves unfold in May until they wilt in October. It is simple in agricultural technology, low maintenance, undemanding to heat and frost-resistant, and easy to reproduce. All hosts are distinguished by their rare shade tolerance and even shade tolerance. This is almost the only plant whose flowering can be observed under the canopy of trees at the end of August. Hostas are highly resistant to pests and diseases, they tolerate transplantation well, are non-aggressive, and can grow in one place for many years. The most widespread in gardens are 7-9 species of hosta and many of its variations and varieties.

Below you can see photos and names of hosta species, as well as their descriptions.

From the photo and description of this hosta, it immediately becomes clear why this plant got its name - its green leaves have a narrow white border.

Peduncles up to 30 cm tall, flowers up to 6 cm long, lilac-violet. Blooms in July-August. This hosta is quite widespread among flower lovers, it is hardy and unpretentious. Grows best in light partial shade with full sun in the morning and evening.

As you can see in the photo, this type of hosta has leaf blades with an uneven wavy surface and a slightly twisted top.

The petiole is light, grooved, slightly winged. The leaf is green (16 x 10 cm), with an uneven longitudinal white center. The flowers are funnel-shaped, light purple, up to 5 cm long. Peduncles up to 80 cm tall. Blooms in August.

Description of the plant

Hosta has been known to gardeners since the 18th century. Since then, breeders have constantly improved the plant, developing new hybrids and varieties, which is why today we see such diversity.

For reference. In the old days, hosta was called funkia or plantain lily for its external resemblance to this common plant.

External signs

The common characteristics of different types of hosta can be considered only the heart-shaped leaves on long petioles that grow directly from the ground. And the lush, cap-shaped bushes.

But the color and size of the leaves, as well as the height of the bush, can vary greatly depending on the type and variety. The leaves can be quite small, 5 cm long, or very large - up to 45 cm. And the height of the plants varies from 40 cm to a meter.

Different types of hosta

Almost all hostas bloom, producing long peduncles with small funnel-shaped or bell-shaped flowers. But outwardly they are much inferior to the foliage, for the decorative value of which this plant is so valued.

They can be matte and shiny, smooth and pubescent, textured. And their color takes on a variety of shades of light green and green. Moreover, in most varieties the foliage is not monochromatic, but with a contrasting pattern or border along the edge.

The hosta grows in one place for more than ten years, without requiring transplantation or rejuvenation. It withstands both heat and frost, practically does not get sick, and among the pests it is afraid only of slugs, which happily settle in the damp shade under dense bushes.

Types and varieties

There are dozens of host species in nature, from which a huge number of hybrids have been developed. They differ from each other in size, shape, size and color of leaves and other characteristics.

We list the varieties that are most popular among gardeners:

• Albomarginata . Refers to the wavy hosta species. The height of an adult plant is 50-60 cm, the length of leaves is up to 45 cm, the height of peduncles is up to 90 cm. The leaves are dark green with a light border along the edge, the flowers are small, purple, bloom in mid-summer. The plant tolerates heat and sunlight well.

Hosta Albomarginata

• Aureomarginata . The variety is very similar to the previous one, with large elongated shiny leaves with a pointed tip and a feather-like yellowish border.

Hosta Aureomarginata

• White feathers. A unique variety that prefers to grow in the shade. Against the background of greenery of other plants, its white leaves, about 15 cm long, look very unusual and contrasting. As they grow, bright green stripes appear on them, making the leaves look like feathers. The bushes grow up to 40-50 cm and bloom from July to September with flowers of a delicate lavender hue.

Hosta White Feathers

• Antiochus . Another edged hosta variety, characterized by a large diameter of the bush - up to 120 cm. The height is normal, about 50 cm. Young leaves of a rich green color with wavy edges first have a light cream border, which becomes white over time.

Hosta Antioch

• Blue. Blue hostas include several varieties with unusual leaf colors - plain bluish-green or bluish. They are also united by rather large leaf sizes and flowers of pale shades collected in inflorescences.

Blue hosta

• Gold standard . Another variety with an unusual leaf color. They have a golden hue with an uneven dark green border. The plant is tall, up to 70 cm, and wide - more than a meter in diameter.

Hosta Gold standard

• Patriot . A large variety up to 70 cm high with wavy leaves and a serrated white border. It blooms with small lilac flowers in the second half of summer.

Hosta Patriot

• Canadian Blue . A variety of blue hostas with smooth, heart-shaped leaves of a bluish-blue hue with a waxy coating on the surface. Bushes 40-50 cm high grow up to 90 cm wide.

Hosta Canadian Blue

• Elegance . Very tall bushes of this variety of blue hosta grow up to 90-100 cm. The leaves are bluish in color, almost round, measuring about 25x30 cm. The peduncles are of medium length with delicate white flowers.

Hosta elegans

• Mediavariegata. A wavy hosta with oblong, ovate, light green leaves with a bright white stripe down the middle. The tips of the leaves are curled. An early flowering variety, growing up to 60-70 cm.

Hosta Mediavariegata

Planting and propagation of hostas

Hosta can be sprouted from seeds, but this is a very long and labor-intensive process, although its germination rate is quite high. When planting, be sure to use a growth stimulator and first keep the seeds in the cold. For disinfection, use a weak solution of potassium permanganate, which can be used to treat pots. Remember that hosta always grows and develops slowly, and in the process may lose the characteristic features of the variety. Therefore, if you need a clear and definite result, it is better to choose other methods of reproduction. The hosta feels great in one place for decades, but during this time it grows greatly. Therefore, every 3-4 years it is recommended to replant the shrub, and at the same time, propagate it by division. Divide the bushes in late spring or late summer, and you can immediately plant the cuttings in the ground, but for the first time they must be shaded.

Agricultural technology

Hosta Frances Williams

From the above it is clear that the hosta is an unpretentious plant, but still during cultivation it is necessary to follow some simple rules.

Hosta Mite Feather description of care rules

It is necessary to weed and loosen the soil around the plant in time.

Remove old leaves and arrows in a timely manner. This will allow the bush to be aesthetically beautiful. But if the variety blooms beautifully, then the arrows don’t have to be cut off.

The culture is quite moisture-loving, so it needs to be watered at least twice a week, provided there is no precipitation.

Hosta is a frost-resistant plant, but in case of severe cold it needs to be provided with additional shelter; for this, a covering material - agril - is perfect.

The plant can grow in one place for a quarter of a century, but every 3 years it is necessary to separate the young roots - this will prevent its strong growth.

White hosta

Feeding for hosta

The appearance of the crop depends on proper care, as well as the application of fertilizers. The most optimal amount of feeding for White Feather is three for the entire season.

Nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus fertilizers are most often used as fertilizers. Plants also respond well to the application of organic fertilizers in the form of compost or humus, but it is best to apply them in the autumn season. The main thing is not to overdo it with the amount and frequency of fertilizing, as this can cause burns to the plant.

These hosta varieties love the sun!

Most hosta varieties prefer to grow in light to deep shade. There are a number of varieties that tolerate light sun well. And only a few hosta varieties tolerate planting in an open, sunny place. Let's look at the most popular hosta varieties that will tolerate a well-lit, sunny place without losing their main advantage - the varietal color of the foliage.

"Aureomarginata" is a variety of large, fast-growing hosta up to 70 cm in height. The dark green foliage has a thin yellow edge, the flowers are lavender, and blooms in July-August.

“Blue Ivory” is a medium-sized hosta variety (up to 50 cm) with a very beautiful thick and dense blue leaf with a cream border. In particularly hot weather, the cream border may turn completely white, and the usual green color will be added to the blue foliage. Flowering is common from July to August with lavender-colored flowers.

“Blue Mouse Ears” is a dwarf hosta, very funny-looking, no more than 15-20 cm high with blue, round, dense leaves. It blooms in July with beautiful lavender-colored flowers. The growth rate of this variety is average.

"Captain Kirk" is a very spectacular variety of a fairly large, fast-growing hosta up to 70 cm tall. This hosta without light stripes combines a heart-shaped wrinkled yellow leaf with a green edging. Blooms in July.

"Christmas Candy" - grows up to 50 cm. The pure white center of the leaf predominates over the dark green edge. Flowering is usual in July.

"Devon Green" is a versatile hosta that grows well in both shade and sun. Grows as a compact dense bush up to 50 cm in height. The leaves are dark green, hard, shiny, with pronounced veining. Growth rate is average. Very often used for landscape work.

“Empress Wu” is a variety of very large size (up to 120 cm) and medium growth rate. The leaves are dark, green, thick, with a waxy coating. Pale lavender flowers appear in July.

'Fair Maiden' is a beautiful medium-sized (up to 45 cm) hosta with grey-green foliage and a wide white edge. It does not grow too intensively and blooms in July-August.

"Francee" is a classic hosta variety up to 70 cm tall. The leaves are dark green with a bright white border. Flowering is usual (July-August), but growth is quite vigorous. A mature plant has a beautiful neat shape.

"Guacamole" - large (up to 70 cm), fast-growing hosta

It is worth paying attention to this one of the first hybrid varieties with light lavender flowers. Flowering lasts from August to September

The leaves are shiny, green, changing to a golden color with a green edge.

“Irish Luck” - this variety with dark green and glossy leaves will grow up to 70 cm. The edge of the leaf is wavy, the veins are clearly visible.

"Lemon Delight" is a low (20-25 cm), fast-growing hosta with interesting narrow green leaves with a wavy edge, collected in a dense rosette. It blooms in July with bright decorative purple-lavender flowers on long stalks.

"So Sweet" - This variety has highly fragrant light lavender, almost white flowers. Blooms in September. The foliage is light green with a yellow edge. The variety is medium in size (up to 50 cm) and has a fast growth rate.

"Striptease" is a fast-growing powerful hosta up to 70 cm in height. The leaves are interesting, with a green edge and a yellow center divided vertically by a thin white stripe.

“Sun Power” is a vase hosta up to 70 cm tall, a fast-growing variety. The leaves are yellow-green, becoming bright yellow with age, with a wavy edge and raised veins, collected in a rosette.

“Tattoo” is an original collection variety of medium growth up to 25 cm in height. Blooms with light lavender flowers in July-August. An interesting design is a golden-yellow leaf with dark green washes reminiscent of a maple leaf.

As you can see, these are not necessarily hostas with light stripes on the leaves. When purchasing, be sure to ask where the best planting site is for the variety you have chosen.

After all, the decorativeness and varietal compliance of its foliage will completely depend on such an important nuance as the lighting of the hosta.

Hosta White Feze (M)

Description of White Feather Host. Large, fast growing hosta . Bush up to 35cm high. Flowering period July-August. Winter hardiness zone: 3 (-40 ° C)

Hosta , or funkia , is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Liliaceae family. Hosta is native to China and Japan. This is a decorative deciduous perennial. Hosta leaves are about 20 cm long, up to 10 cm wide, located on petioles and form a large basal rosette. They can have different shapes and colors, be plain or with a border, with or without a waxy coating, with a straight or wavy edge. Flowering stems are bare, from 20 to 100 cm in height. Hosta flowers are bell-shaped or funnel-shaped, blue, lilac or white, collected in racemose inflorescences. Hosta blooms in July-August.

White Feather Hosta landing site . Hostas can grow in both shade and sun, but most prefer lightly shaded areas. Variegated species are more photophilous. Plants need protection from drafts and strong winds. The soil for hosta is fertile, fairly moist, but without stagnant water.

Planting White Feather Hosta . Before planting hostas , dig up the area to 1 sq.m. add a bucket of humus and complete mineral fertilizer. Small holes corresponding to the size of the root system are dug at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other. Drainage is laid at the bottom, garden soil is poured, the rhizome is placed, straightening the roots, and garden soil is covered on top. The soil is compacted, watered well, and the plantings are mulched.

Hosta White Feather care. Hostas any special . Plants must be watered in a timely manner, weeds must be pulled out, and fed with organic matter or mineral fertilizers. An excellent technique is surface mulching of the soil with humus; it retains moisture and creates soil conditions favorable for the plant. In autumn, hostas are not pruned; only the flower stalks are removed. They also do not require shelter for the winter; the crop tolerates frosts down to -40°C.

White Feather Hosta Reproduction . Hostas are propagated by dividing the bush and cuttings. Adult bushes are divided in early spring (before early May) or autumn (in September). To do this, the plant is watered abundantly, dug up and divided into several parts, so that each of them has 1-2 leaf rosettes. The resulting cuttings are immediately planted in a permanent place. Hosta cuttings can be carried out throughout the summer. To do this, young shoots with a heel are separated from the plant, the leaves are cut by a third, and planted in a shady place, covered with a plastic bottle. In the first days, the leaves will lie on the ground - turgor is lost, but after a couple of weeks the cuttings will take root.

Using White Feather Hosta in Garden Design. Hosta is excellent for planting along the shore of a reservoir, for rocky gardens, mixborders, and planting along paths. It looks impressive planted in groups against the backdrop of an emerald lawn . Decorative hosta leaves are widely used to create bouquets.

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Secret No. 1: storing hostas before planting

Hostas are usually planted in open ground in spring or autumn (from late August to mid-September). During the beautiful season, this can be done when the threat of return frosts has passed. Although some varieties can withstand negative temperatures of several degrees, it is better not to take risks. The optimal planting time in spring is from the end of April to the first half of May.

However, if you purchased the plant much earlier, you need to take care of its proper storage. There are two ways: plant the hosta in a pot or place it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with wet sawdust.

With regular spraying, the seedling in the vegetable storage compartment will last until April, after which it can be planted for growing in a seedling bed or greenhouse.

The hosta should not be kept in a pot on the windowsill, because... she prefers the shade. When the plant gets stronger and favorable weather conditions arrive, transplant it into a flowerbed or garden using the transshipment method.

How to propagate white hosta

An adult plant, older than 4 years, is propagated by dividing the bush. This is done in early spring, when the earth warms up, or in the fall - a month before the first frost. The bush is dug around the circumference, carefully pulled out and cut into several parts. The cut areas are sprinkled with wood ash. Planted at a distance of 40 cm. This is a good way to rejuvenate a plot.

In mid-summer, hosta is propagated by cuttings. Cut off young stems and cut off the tops of their leaves. Cuttings are rooted in open ground or in a box with a nutrient substrate. In order for them to take root, the planting is shaded and the soil is not allowed to dry out.

Hosta also reproduces by seeds. The fruit capsules ripen in September. But the plant from domestic seeds does not retain the main feature of the variety - the white color of the leaves.

Place one seed at a time in plastic cassettes with universal flower soil and sprinkle with soil. Keep under film, in the shade. Every day the greenhouse is ventilated and the soil is kept moderately moist. When the hosta sprouts, the film is removed and the seedlings are brought into the light. With the appearance of 4 true leaves, the plants are planted in open ground.

Hosta "White Feathers"

Hosta White Feather (White Feather, White Feathers) is one of the most spectacular hybrid varieties.

All the beauty and nobility of the leaves can be appreciated only in the shady corners of the garden, where this hosta does not compete with bright flowers. Young leaves are creamy white, 15 cm in size. As they grow, bright green stripes appear on the leaves of the hosta, which over time fill almost the entire leaf. The bush grows up to 40-55 cm in height. The flowers are lavender, almost white, blooming from July to September.

Hosta is unpretentious, cold-resistant, shade-tolerant, exclusively decorative, plants are practically not susceptible to diseases, and are undemanding to soil. Hosta White Feather (White Feather, White Feathers) prefers fertile soils, provided with moisture, but without stagnant water.

When planting, the roots of the plant are placed on the surface of the mound so that there are no voids under them. Soil is poured on top, compacted, then watered abundantly. The root collar is mulched with dry humus or peat. Watering is repeated several times after 3-4 days. Caring for White Feather hosts (White Feather, White Feathers) consists of weeding, regular watering, loosening and fertilizing.

Hostas are a few of the plants that can be propagated in different ways: by dividing the bush, by seeds.

It is recommended to carry out annual autumn mulching of frost-resistant perennials with a layer of 2-4 cm.

I don’t use chemicals in my area, even in flowers, I use biological products, but they are mainly for spraying on leaves. I add humus, if available, or other organic matter to the planting hole.

The hosta began to grow. But I can’t say that I showed off so white for a long time. The description states that it gives green touches over time in the season. Dala. And then it turned quite green. The strokes, however, stood out a lot. This year I want to separate a piece and plant it in a different place so that there is different lighting. ——— It’s useless, it turns green anywhere and looks very untidy because of its strokes. In addition, its leaves are more tender than usual, so snails and slugs love it very much, especially if it grows in the shade. That snails really love hostas - I’ve been convinced more than once, especially after rain, all my hostas are strewn with snails, I take a jar of salt solution and put them in (snails) I throw. And on the white (light) leaves of this hosta, the snails will look even more “attractive” - this is a big minus. ———Slugs choose the hosta because under its leaves it is always cool (relative, of course) and there is somewhere to hide, and you don’t have to “walk” far, as Grandfather Krylov said, “both the table and the house,” and it often grows in shadows. The one that grows in the sun is rarely visited by slugs. And when it says “sustainable,” it doesn’t mean that they don’t eat it AT ALL, but simply eat it last (or second)

I have a similar one. It's called White Fire. At first it looks like this, and then it turns light green. It also grows in partial shade. Still, it’s 1.5-2 months white (I don’t remember exactly).

The author writes that hosta also reproduces by seeds. I had this experience. The first time I bought a bag of seeds, it turned out to be 5 pieces. Not a single one came up. Then my friend, having learned about my love for hostas, sent several different hostas and a bag of seeds in a parcel from London. There were already 50 there!! seeds All the plants survived, and about 40 sprouted from the seeds, then after wintering there were fewer left, they developed very slowly, there were some “sufferers”. Then I read that when grown from seeds, all the leaves turn green, and I lost interest in fiddling with them. So if you see hosta seeds, remember my experience. It's better vegetatively. The plants were very small. Occupied less m2. And at first they developed very slowly. Obviously, there were low-growing varieties. Then there were lunges. They bulged very much after the winter. You arrive in the spring - and all the hostas stand raised above the ground, as if on tiptoe... But the ones that survived were completely uninteresting. I always compare the number of seeds in our bags and in foreign ones. I only had English and Danish ones, there are much more seeds there. Maybe it's aimed at farmers.

Which variety should I choose for planting?

Although hostas are recognized as decorative foliage plants, among them there are often specimens that simply fascinate with their spectacular flowering.

At the same time, the buds emit a very pleasant aroma, similar to the smell of acacia, lilac or jasmine. Let's look at the most popular varieties at the moment.

Hosta Invincible

Hosta Invincible is characterized by rounded-elliptical leathery leaves. The edges are slightly wavy. There are numerous flower stalks. The buds are bluish-white. They have a bell shape. The culture feels great both in partial shade and in the sun. The shrub reaches a height of 50 centimeters. Blooms in July-August.

Hosta Invincible

Hosta White Feathers

It is one of the spectacular hybrid forms. Young leaves are creamy white. But as they grow, bright green stripes form on them, which over time fill almost the entire leaf plate. The leaf size is about 15 centimeters.

The height of the bush reaches 55 centimeters. Lavender inflorescences. Their color is white. Caring for the White Feather Hosta is characterized by its simplicity. After all, the plant is unpretentious, highly resistant to shade, frost, and most diseases. Also, the crop is undemanding to the composition of the soil. No pruning needed.

But in order for a beautiful and healthy white hosta to grow: planting and care must be carried out according to certain rules. It is preferable to choose a place in partial shade. Moist soil is suitable, without stagnant water. White feathers respond very well to feeding. Especially for mineral compounds, humus and compost.

Hosta Albomarginata

Hosta Albomarginata stands out for its rapid growth and compactness. The bushes grow up to 50 centimeters in height. Covered with large leaves of a dark green tone. There is a narrow bright white border along the edge. Leaves are lanceolate and grooved. Length 15 centimeters. Peduncles reach a height of 35 centimeters. They are thin and straight. Several small leaves grow on them. The inflorescences are racemose and loose. Length 6 centimeters. The shade is lilac-violet. Dark stripes are visible. The edges of the petals are bent strongly back. Bordered with a white stripe.

For abundant flowering, it is important that Hosta Albomarginata is planted correctly. The plant is unpretentious in maintenance and can withstand low temperatures and shade. Practically not susceptible to diseases. True, the flower is very picky about the composition of the soil. Care involves regular watering, weeding, loosening, and fertilizing.

Hosta Patriot

The height of the Patriot reaches 60 centimeters. The foliage is dark green, about 16 centimeters long, wavy. The edges are jagged. There is a white border. Winter hardiness is quite high. The plant is shade-tolerant and unpretentious. However, in order for a stably flowering Hosta Patriot to grow: planting and care should be carried out taking into account some recommendations. It is advisable to choose fertile, moist soil. The crop needs to be weeded, irrigated, fed and loosened regularly. Annual autumn mulching is shown.

Hosta Aureomarginata

The variety is characterized by dense dark green foliage with a bright yellow thin border. The length of the leaves is 20 centimeters. They are cascading. The buds are bell-shaped, colored lavender. Diameter 6 centimeters.

The rhizome is shortened and thick. It has a cord-like shape. Aureomarginata grows up to 50 centimeters. This variety is considered unpretentious. It tolerates cold calmly and is able to grow well in the shade. Practically not susceptible to diseases. But still, in order for the luxurious Hosta Aureomarginata to grow in the garden plot: planting and care play an important role. The soil should be chosen to be fertile. It is necessary to ensure the correct irrigation regime. Apply fertilizers and loosen the soil in a timely manner.

Hosta Canadian Blue

The variety is densely leafy. Over the years it forms a dense cushion of the bush. The height reaches 50 centimeters. The leaf length is 15 centimeters. During the flowering period, lavender buds appear. They are located on high peduncles. If you know all the features of the Canadian Blue host: planting and care will be carried out competently. The plant tolerates shade well. The variety is often chosen for decorating fences and the perimeter of houses.

Hosta Mediavariegata

Hosta wavy Mediavariegata is one of the most beautiful garden varieties. The leaves are medium in size. A little twisted. They are light green with white inclusions. Flowering is quite early. The buds are soft blue. When opened, the diameter is 3 centimeters. Each peduncle contains several small flowers. The hosta Mediovariegata does not have the aroma. The height of the shrub grows up to 70 centimeters.

Hosta Antioch

This is a hybrid form. It has a short and compact rhizome. Leaves are basal. Located on petioles. Large in size. Their color is bluish-gray or green. The shape is broadly ovoid or narrowly lanceolate. Peduncles are practically devoid of foliage. They are large, sometimes reaching 120 centimeters in height. Inflorescences are funnel-bell-shaped or funnel-shaped. Available in lilac, white and purple colors. Collected in a brush. The crop can grow in one place for about 20 years. The main thing is that Hosta Antioch should be planted in moist, acidified soil.

Hosta Chalcedony

Hosta Chalcedony is a compact bush. The leaves are medium-sized, bright blue. The variety blooms with purple buds. The foliage is dense and heart-shaped. Covered with longitudinal deep grooves. The color is blue-green. There is a silvery waxy coating.

When caring for Hosta Halcion, it is necessary to take into account that the variety prefers semi-shaded areas, nutritious and well-drained soil. The soil should be loosened, watered and weeded regularly. Feeding is also indicated.

Hosta Gold Standard

Gold Standard is popular due to its original golden heart-shaped foliage. The bush is lush. Reaches 70 centimeters in height. Has a high growth rate. Easy to care for.

It is immune to a number of ailments, but still for the successful cultivation of a Gold Standard host: planting and care must be carried out correctly.

Hosta Guacamole

The height of the Hosta Guacamole ranges from 70 to 100 centimeters. The leaves are medium in size. Their length is 25 centimeters. Color apple green. The surface is shiny. The inflorescences are pale lavender and exude a pleasant aroma. The variety usually grows in one place for up to 25 years. It is drought resistant. Loves slightly acidic, well-drained, moist soil mixtures.

Hosta Vaid Brim

The plant grows quickly, reaches a height of 50 centimeters. It is characterized by the formation of fairly large inflorescences, up to 8 centimeters in diameter. They are fragrant, light lavender. The foliage is heart-shaped, blue-green with a wide cream border. The length is 21 centimeters. Vaid Brim is winter-hardy, shade-tolerant and unpretentious. But still, for the abundant flowering of the hosta Vaid Brim: planting and care play a decisive role. The soil should be chosen fertile and moist. Irrigate several times a day with an interval of 3 days. Weeding, fertilizing and loosening are also carried out.

Hosta Brim Cap

The Brim Cap hosta variety is distinguished by its low growth and decorative leaves. Height is up to 35 centimeters. The foliage is cup-shaped, grooved, dark green with golden edges. Flowering early. The buds are bluish-lilac. But over time they turn white. White varieties look great next to Brim Cap. For example, Hosta Bressingham Blue would be a good option for creating an interesting flower arrangement.

Hosta Cherry Berry

This is a hybrid. The rhizome is short-branched and compact. The bush reaches a height of 25 centimeters. The leaves of the Cherry Berry host are basal and located on petioles. Quite large and thin. They come in different colors. The shape is broadly ovoid or narrowly lanceolate. Peduncles are devoid of foliage. The buds are lilac, white, purple. Flowering occurs in mid-summer. The variety prefers acidic, moist soil.

Hosta Francais

The Hosta Francais bush grows about 50 centimeters. The foliage is dark green, wrinkled, and veined. Its shape is heart-shaped. The buds are funnel-shaped. Their color is lavender. The height of the peduncle reaches 75 centimeters. The variety has good winter hardiness and is unpretentious in care. It is often chosen for creating borders and decorating lawns. They are often used in making bouquet arrangements.

Hosta Francais

Hosta True Blue

This is a crop about 60 centimeters high. Hosta True Blue grows quite quickly. The foliage is large, dense, broadly heart-shaped. Its surface is shiny and wrinkled. There is a waxy coating. The flower retains its decorative effect for 25 years. In terms of content, True Blue is not capricious. Reacts quickly to feeding. Shade-tolerant. Looks good on the edges of ponds, in group and single plantings on lawns.

Gardeners also often choose the Blue Ivory hosta variety for decoration. This plant allows you to create a bright accent on the lawn. It is also successfully grown in pots and flowerpots. A good solution would be to plant a variety of Hosta Pizzaz, especially if the garden is shady.

Care and cultivation

An ideal garden depends entirely on following the rules for caring for each plant. Hosta is not demanding, but still needs individual watering and fertilization. Don't forget about pests that can damage perennials. Let's look at the most important points about care and cultivation:

• watering. Just 2 times a week;
• regular loosening of the soil;
• get rid of old dry leaves;
• fertilizer. Use with calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus content. No more than 3 times per season.

Phyllosticosis is a disease in all varieties without exception. These are fungi that attack the plant, which lead to the appearance of brown or dehydrated areas and gaps on the leaves. In this case, it is necessary to cut off the diseased parts and treat the perennial with activated carbon. If the spread of fungi is widespread, it is better to use fungicides to spray the soil and other plants:

• "Strobe." Dilute 4 grams of the mixture in 10 liters;
• "Vectra". For 5 liters of water – 3 ml;
• "Abiga Peak". For 5 liters of water – 50 grams;
• laundry soap. For 10 liters of water – 300 grams;
• copper sulfate. For 10 liters of water – 30 grams.

In the fight against slugs and snails, quicklime is suitable. Place the dry mixture at the base and around the hosta. The next day, collect the pests and repeat the procedure several times. You can additionally treat the soil with superphosphates.