Hosta (second name of the function) is a perennial plant of the lily family with large fairly dense leaves. Hosta is very popular not only because of its beautiful flowering, but also due to the ornamentation of the leaves. These qualities are perfectly played out in landscape design: the plant is combined with other flowers, bushes and trees, including coniferous trees. Hosta - rather unpretentious plant, does not require special care and well endures the cold winters, characteristic of the temperate climatic zone. However, the decorative plant also tolerates high heat in summer if it is planted on a shaded area, since the host belongs to the shade-loving plants and does not tolerate direct sun rays.
How does the host multiply?
The hosts multiply seeds, but it is much easier to multiply the plant by dividing the bush. To do this, you should choose a well-grown bush. Transplanting hosts are best done while the plant is fairly young, optimal if its age is 4 to 6 years. Agrotechnists believe that the host can be transplanted only if absolutely necessary, as it is difficult to tolerate transplants, after which the plant recovers for a long time and loses its magnificent appearance for a long period. But often the host grows so much that it interferes with the normal growth of other flowers in the flowerbed, then there is an objective need to reduce the area of growth of the bush. Before transplanting the host, it is necessary to carefully consider the place of its new growth, in order not to expose the plant to such an unpleasant procedure.
When is it better to transplant the host?
The most favorable time for transplanting hosts is spring, when young shoots appear from the ground. You can transplant the plant and throughout the summer. Gardeners are often interested in the question, can I transplant the host in the fall? Transplant hosts in the fall can be done, but it is desirable to do it at the beginning of the season. There are varieties of ornamental plants, which are subject only to autumn transplantation due to the fact that they do not grow roots in the spring. These are the Tokuda and Zibold varieties and their hybrids.
The terms of autumn transplantation are limited: from the end of August to the middle of September. In order for the plant to take root, become stronger and become accustomed to cold weather in a new place, it takes at least a month.
How to divide the host?
The bush hosts are excavated completely, the soil is shaken off from its roots. The ends of the roots are slightly cut off (this is done to rejuvenate the plant). The rhizome is cut with a knife and then broken with hands. Gardeners with experience recommend the treatment of fault sites with ash or fungicide solution.
How to transplant the host in the fall?
Before planting a plant, you need to determine the place of planting. Hosts prefer light, fertile soil, with an average level of acidity. If in the garden area of the soil heavy, clayey, it is necessary to structure the soil, introducing sand, rotted sawdust, peat. A few hours before the transplant, the garden site, where it is planned to plant the host, should be watered.
For the landing, a pit is prepared with a depth of about 40 cm, a drainage layer is made, since the host does not tolerate the swampiness of the soil. The roots of the landing are neatly straightened out and placed so that there are no voids under them. If several plants are planted, the size of the adult hosts should be considered: large ones planted at a distance of about 1 m, medium ones - 0.5 m, and dwarf varieties - 0.2 m. The well is filled with fertile soil, compacted and abundantly watered. The root neck, which should be located at the soil level, is mulched with humus or peat.