Hosta: the long-lived plant

Hostas are herbaceous plants consisting of a decorative design, classified for cultivation in order to embellish borders and flower beds. These plants are native to China and Japan and belong to the Liliaceae family, also called Agavaceae: they are particularly famous for their expanded and dense foliage. Specifically, their lanceolate leaves have various colors depending on the species of the Hosta: it is in fact possible that they have a bluish, green or yellowish color. These leaves have ribs parallel to each other.
Hosta flowers, on the other hand, are characterized by erect stems and are fragrant and bell-shaped, managing to attract attention thanks to their leaves gathered in violet or white spikes. The flowers that are open instead correspond to small lilies characterized by brown stamens and pistils.

Hosta cultivation

Hostas prefer semi-shady places, as they do not tolerate direct sun. Furthermore, it is recommended to cultivate these plants in soft, moist or mixed soils, which must still be rich in organic substances and well drained in order to have satisfactory results.
As for watering, it is normally recommended to increase the frequency of watering during the summer, without causing any water stagnation. During autumn and winter the amount of water to be given to the hostas must be reduced. In order to cultivate them optimally, it is recommended to use slow-release or organic fertilizers, especially for green Hostas. These plants reproduce through the division of the tufts during the spring and through the seeds in late winter. To improve the conditions of your plants, it is possible to store them in sufficiently large pots that allow the roots that grow outside them to pass through special drainage holes: this procedure is normally carried out during the spring.

Hosta Diseases and Treatments

There are various diseases that can affect hostas plants, and among these are fungal diseases, such as those of gray mold. It is also good to pay attention to snails, which can eat or otherwise corrode the leaves. In order to solve the problem, it is possible to use special antifungal treatments or snail killers in the appropriate periods.

Curiosities of the Hostas

Hostas are known for their longevity, as they can live for more than forty years, which is why they are popular with gardeners.

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