How to Divide a Hosta With Simple and Uncomplicated Directions

Effortless Directions  

A Hosta is a hardy and most forgiving perennial plant with little to no maintenance needed. Grown mainly for their wonderful foliage this remarkable plant fills in those shady spots in your landscape with amazing ease. Perfect around trees, borders, walkways and in gardens, this aesthetic beauty is marvelous when planted in masses using one variety or several varieties at a time.

Mostly known as a shade perennial there are some Hosta cultivars that do well with some sun - look for those attractive Hostas with golden leaves that's a good rule of thumb to follow. 

Hosta Divisions
 
Late Summer vs. Spring

Putting off dividing your Hosta until the end of summer or autumn season is probably the best time for this task and is actually favored by a lot of gardeners.

There are several reasons why this time is more preferred.
A). Most Hostas have maxed out in their look and will start to decline in appearance because of the waning sunlight.
B). Dividing your Hosta in the spring where it's just beginning new foliage growth stresses the plant and now has to recover from such trauma.
C). By late summer plants are now passing their peak in appearance so dividing them now assures healthier, a sustainable recovery and will ensure a development of handsome looking plants in the spring.
D). Progress of a hardy root is further enhanced in warmer soil conditions compared to cooler thawing out soil which you would find in the spring time. 

Simple Steps on Dividing Hosta
 
1. Divide plant if it has more then one grouping/cluster (eyes) of foliage.
2. Break up earth around the plant with a shovel to a distance of 8-10 inches.
3. Dig under the plant with your spade or garden fork and lift the plant out.
4. Rinse the soil off plants to locate the best places to divide the plant are.
5. Cut through crown using a sharp knife leaving 3 or more shoots per division.
6. Do not cut any roots.
7. Replace one of the divisions back into first site.
8. Add compost to the brand new planting area by adding some compost.
9. Make the hole slightly larger than the division.
10. Place the division in the new hole, being careful not to damage the roots.
11. Plant the divisions at the same depth as they were growing.
12. Return soil and firm up around the divisions.
13. Water well and mulch to conserve moisture.

ADDITIONAL HOSTA INFORMATION

• Never cut through the eye of the plant (group of foliage clustered together).
• Dividing Hosta relieves the plants by keeping them from becoming over grown.
• Benefits you by multiplying these versatile landscaping plants.
• Fall divisions should be performed at least a month before the first expected frost
• Wait until early next spring to fertilize.
• Don't worry if you accidentally damage some roots, a hardy Hosta will recover.
• Using a shovel to divide/split your Hosta will work but not recommended as it will stress out the plant!

Looking for Hosta for your yard or garden be sure to stop by Aunt Jenny's General Store where we carry nice selection garden perennial plant varieties!