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Hostas infested with violets

Jsb.pondJsb.pond Posts: 12
in Problem solving
my hostas are all in pots and have a thick layer of violets on the surface of the pot.  Is there any way to get rid of these, or even control the amount?  Any advice appreciated!
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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    wait until the Hostas are dormant and dab the violets with roundup
    Devon.
  • Jsb.pondJsb.pond Posts: 12
    Is that the Roundup in the plastic canister?  Presumably the violets won’t be dormant as well?  They tend to disappear over the winter.  Is there a short time after the hostas die off before the violets do the same?  If so, i’ll Be ready and waiting with the Roundup. Thanks for this.
  • micearguersmicearguers Posts: 646
    How about pulling them out? If the soil is wet this should be doable, perhaps with the aid of a little weeding fork.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    micearguers said:
    How about pulling them out? If the soil is wet this should be doable, perhaps with the aid of a little weeding fork.
    the trouble is , they tend to send down a tap root right into the crown of the hosta clump. 
    Devon.
  • Jsb.pondJsb.pond Posts: 12
    Yes, they are really tangled into the roots and have become well matted.  Bit of a disaster really.  I plan to report them in the spring and that will give me an opportunity to “clean” the roots, but I’ve done this before without long term success.  Can I ask what kind of compost to use in the pots?  Do I need John Innes 3? That sounds very expensive as I have about 50.  Fortunately I don’t get slugs as the pots are on a gravel bed, but they have been totally shredded this summer by a vicious hail storm in July.  Thanks for the advice.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I use a rough mix of multipurpose  and garden compost for stuff in pots, but all my hostas and in the ground
    Devon.
  • Jsb.pondJsb.pond Posts: 12
    Thanks for that info.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Come the spring when you would normally be dividing hostas and/or refreshing their planting medium you can surely take them out of their current pots, wash all their roots and pick out the violets and then re-pot without passengers in the compost of your choice.  Just be aware that even the best planting composts only have nutrients to last about 90 days so you will need to top up with dry, slow release fertiliser or else liquid feeds when watering.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Jsb.pondJsb.pond Posts: 12
    I wouldn’t have thought of washing the roots, will give it a go.  A good local garden centre has recommended John Innes no 3 for hostas. I’ve got about 50 pots, so it’s going to be quite a task and expense.  Thanks
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I have a gardening friend who is a great believer in washing perennial plan roots when re-potting or lifting and dividing when there are unwanted guests present in the roots.  It probably clears away any naughty bugs that might be chewing the roots or just waiting to get at juicy new shoots.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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