Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Real Men Sow
The beautiful ornamental leaves of the Plantain Lily family, also known as heart-leaf Lilies, are among their 40 wild species. They are mainly Japanese and thrive in cool-humid mountain forests. Even in areas where little grows, the multi-colored or dark foliage creates unique accents. The filigree flowers above the foliage are not to be missed.
How to Grow Plantain Lily (Hosta)
You can grow them from seeds or from roots and you should sow them in spring or summer. You can cover the seeds with topsoil or bury them at 10 cm (4 in). They also prefer to grow in shaded areas of the garden with a pH between 5.5 and 7.
You may also start them indoors but they are not always successful. It takes them two to three weeks to germinate at temperatures of 10°C (50°F). Once the plants are established, transplant them at the beginning of spring with a spacing between 45 cm (18 in; small Hosta varieties), or 90 to 120 cm (36–48 in; larger species).
Location
Most Hosta varieties prefer shaded areas. They were most likely to have grown under shrubs and bushes in their native habitat. However, some varieties can tolerate sunlight. You can also see the leaf color to determine the required level of light. The rule is that the brighter the leaf unit, the more sunlight it needs.
For brighter colors, those with yellowish, yellow bordered, or bright green leaves need sufficient light. Then the color will be more prominent. Avoid intense sunlight during noon as it can cause damage to the leaves.
Soil Conditions
The soil should be moist to medium-firm, permeable, slightly acidic, and not too rich in nutrients. Lean soils are better for plantain lilies than fertilized soils. The soil should be rich in humus and have some clay or sand. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or rotten animal manure.
Planting
You can loosen the soil around the planting area and add some compost. Trench a planting hole as big as the root-bales. The Hosta should be placed so far that the root Bale’s upper end touches the Earth’s surface. Then, fill the seeding hole with soil. Water thoroughly after pressing down. Make sure bucket planting is done in a well-draining area
Plantain Lily Care Guide
Plantain lilies attract more and more people. These beautiful perennials are now collector’s items. The heart-leaf Lily is not a turbo perennial, but it is becoming more lush and magnificent every year as it grows undisturbed.
This decorative leaf will charm you with its beauty and long-lasting durability if you have patience. It is also relatively easy to care for and maintain in the right place.
Watering
These extraordinary decorative leaf forbs need to be watered moderately, depending on their soil. On very hot days, you will need to water more often. The floor should not be left too dry or completely dry. In summer, it is best to water only in the mornings or at night.
To avoid burning, mulch should not be watered directly on the leaves. Mulch helps to retain moisture and reduces weed growth. This plant does not like wet soils. This is true for both Hostas grown in a pot and those that are cultivated in a bed.
Fertilizing
The Hostas’ need for nutrients is low, unlike their water requirements. It is best to cover the soil immediately after planting. In spring, you can add compost to the plants and work it into the soil. It is possible to fertilize again with organic fertilizer (for example, horn shavings) right after the bloom.
Cutting
Plantain lilies are not cut in the proper way. They can be found among woody perennials or other plants. These plants are part of the summer green category, which means that they are very cold-sensitive. They turn yellow in autumn and then completely rot in winter.
Even though the rotten leaves may not look very attractive, they should still be kept on the plant until next spring. It will provide additional winter protection as well as shelter for the many microorganisms. The dried leaves can be removed right before you plant the new shoot.
Hibernation
Hostas, a perennial, are extremely frost-resistant. This is only for the subterranean parts of the plant, as flowers and leaves are not capable of surviving the first frost. With the exception of bucket plants, an additional winter protection is not usually required. It is best to protect them during winter by placing them in front of a wall, and wrapping the bucket with jute or fleece.
It should not be fertilized in winter. For about 8 weeks, place in the house at temperatures below 4°C. So, they will then sprout vigorously in spring. Hostas should also be repotted every two years.
Propagation of Plantain Lily
Splitting the heart-leaf Lily should occur every four years, or when the bristle becomes too big. It is possible to breed but a separation also ensures that more perennials grow each year and are not suppressed or supplanted. Experts recommend that this attractive decorative-leaf perennial be split.
Splitting
Splitting is the simplest and most common form of propagation. Ideally, it’s best to do this in early spring, when the first leaf buds appear. You may use the spade to gently lift the Hosta from the ground.
Remove wilted or putrid root and plant parts. Then, split the bristle in the appropriate parts with a spade or a knife. Remember that each piece should have enough roots. Plant the new location in the well-loosened soil. Water well.
Sowing
It is possible to propagate by sowing. Not all varieties of seeds will produce seeds. It is possible to purchase seeds from specialized traders and grow it year-round in your home. Although sowing Hostas can be more complicated than planting young plants, it is still possible. Anyone who owns a Hosta strain can allow the seeds to dry on the plant and harvest them in autumn. Then, they can be used for sowing in spring.
Plantain Lily Pests and Diseases
Snails
Snails are the biggest pest to these plants. The Plantain lily is the best tasting plant in the garden. The entire plant is endangered, not just the young shoots. It is important to stop a snail infestation as soon as the young shoots appear in spring. You can do this by spreading snail grains around the plants, preferably biological snail grain.
Otiorhynchus
The Otiorhynchus is a 7-12cm long beetle with its larvae, and it can be found in the same area as agents white grubs that damage the Hosta. This beetle doesn’t have a particular diet. Larks and beetles are extremely stubborn and can live in soils that lack humus.
Infestation is easily identifiable by semicircle eating damage at the edges of the leaves. In the vicinity of fallen plants, it is a good idea to place flower pots with wood wool. Once the beetles have accumulated in the pot, they can be removed. Nematodes are the best way to combat larvae.
Diseases
The so-called Hosta Virus X, which can be dangerous to Hostas, is one of the most common pathogens. It has been spreading in Germany since the beginning of the millennium. Infected plants can be identified by abnormally drawn, speckled or discolored leaves along with nerves.
In cases of advanced infestation, the tissue may have sunk. To prevent spread of the disease to other Hosta plants, it is important to immediately remove the entire plant. It is important to inspect the plant for any damage that may have occurred during purchase.
