When Do You Dig Up Hostas to Separate Them?

Large clumps of hostas can be divided to create many new plants

Hostas -- a favorites shade plant available with green, white, blue and variegated foliage and small purple flowers on thin stems -- are prized for their fast growth and ease to transplant.

When to Divide

Early spring when new growth is short and manageable is the easiest time to divide large hosta clumps. Hostas are very hardy plants that can handle being divided at any time in the summer or early fall as well. Give the plant plenty of time before the fall frost to establish itself to ensure survival. Hostas should be divided every three or four years or if the clump gets larger than you wish.

How to Divide

Dig around the base of the hosta clump, loosening the dirt, until you can wiggle the plant free from the ground. Using a clean, sharp cutting tool, divide the root clump into two to four sections.

Care

Re-plant each clump in a new location as soon as possible or share with friends. Water daily in warm weather until plant is established.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Dividing Hosta
• Clemson University Extension: Hosta
• University of Illinois Extension: Dividing Perennials

Resources

• Colorado State University Extension: Perennial Shade Gardening