Hosta Plants UK |
|
|
Hosta History Where did Hostas come from?Hostas are native to northeast Asia, mainly Japan, China and Korea. The species of which there is about 70 are mostly clump forming perennial plants with lily-like flowers growing on forest margins or in woodland settings. Common names that they used to be known by include Funkia, Corfu Lily, Day Lily or Plantain Lily but today they are called Hosta. The name Hosta is in honor of the Austrian botanist Nicholas Thomas Host. Hostas require a dormancy period over winter of below freezing for 6 weeks or so to allow the plant to get prepared for the upcoming spring. Hostas first appeared in Western Europe around the late 1700's to early 1800's then soon after in USA. Soil conditions a good loamy soil about ph6 is best make sure to prepare your soil well before planting as they are shallow rooted the surrounding area where you plant the hosta needs to be cultivated before planting. Hostas are shade loving plants mostly so it is important to place your plants out of hot mid-day sun as a general rule Most variegated hostas look best with some sun, preferably early in the day. Blue hostas need early-season sun to be their bluest but later in the season too much sun will melt the wax. Trees for shade the ideal tree is Quercus (Oak Tree) as they are deep rooted so will not disturb the surrounding soil surface for planting your hostas into. Other suitable trees:-
Trees to avoid Large Acers, Betula, Carya ovata, Eucalyptus, Fagus, Populus, Prunus, Pterocarya, Salix and Tilia. Some large shrubs are ideal for underplanting with hostas plants like Hamamelis, winter flowering Viburnums, Corylus and Photinia. Or create your own shade area with a pergola to this you can place green shade cloth to the roof this will give enough shade to grow your hosta collection in. Hostas in your garden should only be divided every five years if they are getting too big for your space. See link to how to divide Hostas.
|
Copyright Hosta Plants 2006-07 |