When to Cut Back on Hostas
Hostas are strong, versatile plants that thrive in most of the USDA Hardiness Zones. It is a plant that grows larger each year and multiplies by spreading out its roots, sending off new shoots. Hostas come in several varieties--over 2,500 cultivars--but most have large showy leaves and are used primarily as bushy ground cover. Their coloring varies greatly between varieties, from green to blue, and many have variegated leaves that are laced with shades of light green, yellow and white. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Hosta Growth Patterns
-
Each spring, hostas emerge from the ground with small unfurling curls of new shoots. Most take between four and eight years to fully mature. Miniature hostas such as "Baby Bunting" grow to only a few inches in diameter, but some varieties can grow to over 8 feet wide. Large varieties include "Blue Angel" and "Sum and Substance". As the summer progresses the plant develops its full leaves and bushes out with new shoots. Depending on the variety, it will shoot off flowers at some time during the summer and, as winter approaches, the leaves will begin to die off. This dying off process is natural as it is the plant going into dormancy for the winter. Cut the leaves cut off at ground height during this dying off period or leave them on if desired--neither will hurt the plant at this time.
Hosta Flower Care
-
During the summer months, hostas will flower, shooting up long stems with lavender to white flowers at the top. These flowers look very similar to lilies and can be very beautiful. After the blooms fade, cut the stem back. If left alone, the stem will start to turn brown and wilt back down into the plant.
-
When is Best for Propagation of Hostas
-
Hostas can be grown from seed, but they usually don't produce very well with the seed method. The majority of hosta plants are produced by dividing mature plants into smaller groups. There are two thoughts about the best time to divide hostas; some feel that early in the spring is best--just as the spikes are starting to come up out of the dirt--and some feel that late summer to early fall is the best time, just as the plant is going into dormancy. The plant's dormancy is the unifying thread in this debate, however, as gardeners agree that the plant will suffer less damage if divided when it is dormant. If dividing the hosta in the summer, water the plant well for two to three weeks after transplanting to help relieve the shock from being divided.
How to Divide Hostas
-
You don't have to divide hostas for propagation purposes--to have more plants to spread your hostas to more locations-but you should divide hostas when the inner portion of the plant stops producing leaves. At this point, the plant is fully developed and starting to crowd itself. Dig up a mature plant, wash the dirt away--this is optional, it allows you to see where to cut the plant with the least amount of damage--and cut the hosta down the middle, trying to sever the fewest stem shoots as possible. Replant in soil that has been reworked and prepared with organic materials, compost or planting soil.
-
