Hostas awaken the passion for collecting. To pursue this passion, you don't have to keep buying new plants from the garden center. The vigorous plants can easily be multiplied, as they form numerous new shoots over time. Both potted plants and outdoor shrubs can be reproduced by dividing them. Different methods are recommended depending on the age of the plant.
Ideal time
The autumn months are perfect for sharing the popular ornamental plant, as hostas stop growing after they have faded and are better able to cope with the stress of multiplying. The freshly planted perennials grow quickly in the still warm soil. Carry out the measure in September or in spring at the latest. In March and April the ornamental plant is still in the dormant phase. In principle, you can transplant the plant during the entire growing season in summer. Then the hosta needs more attention so that the sub-plants are optimally supplied with water. This is how you do it
correct:- Divide and transplant hosta immediately after purchase
- Propagation possible when the root ball is completely rooted
- Rejuvenate older plants outdoors and in pots after three to four years at the latest by dividing them
Separate younger plants
If you take a closer look at the rhizome, you will quickly discover the close-knit shoots with two to five leaflets each. These are connected to one another and their roots form an interwoven network, which is why the careful division requires a sure instinct. Grasp two adjacent root necks with one thumb and index finger each and carefully pull them apart. It helps if you gently shake the root ball while doing this. In this way, you will work your way through the root ball until you have completely singulated the shoots. They develop into magnificent hostas within a year because the plants grow very quickly.
Tip: This measure works better, the sandier the
Floor is. With a little patience and sensitivity, however, you will also be able to isolate hostas in loamy soil.Cut strong plants
Check to see if the perennials are already growing out of the drainage holes in the planter. If that is the case, these should be cut off with a sharp knife. This will prevent damage when removing the ball of the pot. After the lush root network has been freed from the vessel, cut the ball in the middle. A long kitchen knife with a sharp blade is sufficient. If the root ball is big enough, you can cut it into further pieces. Shorten injured roots a little and remove diseased or dead root parts.
Note: Varieties with slow growth should be divided so that the sub-plants each have two to four shoot buds. This promotes successful growth.
Divide outdoor shrubs
To rejuvenate hostas in the garden by dividing them, use two digging forks as an aid. These are inserted directly into the plant stand so that their backs meet. Then carefully pry the tools apart and dig up the partial plants. This measure is suitable for younger hostas whose root stocks are not yet lignified. Older perennials are divided this way:
- Lift the entire rhizome out of the ground with the digging fork
- Cut up the root ball with a sharp spade
- make sure that each part of the plant has enough roots and at least one shoot bud
- cut off old and rotten roots
Transplanting
If you divide the plants in autumn, they will be planted in a pot. In spring you can plant the partial plants directly in the bed. Most varieties prefer a shady to partially shaded spot that is cool and humid. A humus-rich substrate, which has been enriched with organic components such as compost or leaf humus, ensures an optimal start to the growth phase. Horn shavings act as a long-term fertilizer and improve the vigor of the perennials in the long term. After the hostas have been planted in fresh substrate, water the root ball well. This closes air pores so that the roots get better contact with the ground. The amount of water depends on the season and the size of the plants. The larger the leaf area, the higher the water requirement. Plants divided in summer also need more water. Please note the following when transplanting:
- Thoroughly rid the bed of weeds before planting
- With mini hostas, ensure a planting distance of 20 to 30 centimeters
- large specimens need one square meter of their own
- Equip planters with a drainage made of potsherds or stones
- Mix substrate for potted plants from two parts of compost and one part of potting soil
