Recently I discovered that those of us in the Midwest are spoiled by our online Midwest vendors who send us hosta with both rhizomes and leaves (bare root; no soil). It would seem ... that the similar online vendors on the East Coast send hosta with light soil and only the rhizome ball - and no leaves.
The rhizome ball 'seemed' to be in acceptable condition however I've never actually planted JUST a rhizome ball. I've always had the leaves to there to guide me. There was indication that the vendor did cut foliage off the top as there was a tuft on the top where leaves once were. My procedure for planting was:
Mixed loose soil sent, to equal parts of new soil (from where it was to be planted), and sheep manure. I added enough water to make it wet pudding. This for me is standard procedure for any hosta being planted or moved in my garden.
Made my hole as I normally would.
I set the plant in without adjusting any rhizomes. I observed that there were a number of healthy white spikes on the sides.
Adjusted a little of the ground mixture to get it around the plant; and then covered it over with dry dirt leaving the tuft of the plant viewable on top.
Rinsed out my mixing bucket, and trowel; giving the rhizome system about 1 gallon of water. I watered the next day [today] as part of the normal hosta watering schedule . Again probably another gallon of water. I water once every 3 days (Water, rest, rest, Water, rest, rest, [the hosta waltz] Water, rest, rest, ...) so that new plant will not get water for the next two days.
Am I doing this right for starting with a rhizome ball, OR is there another process in planting them that I am not aware of? BTW the hosta variety in question is Snake Eyes.
Peter Kelley
St. Paul, MN USA
You can also follow my hosta growing antics on blog: HostasByKelley
