The Very Best Time Of Year To Prune Hostas To Keep Them Thriving

Hostas are leafy show-stoppers that pop back every year from their woody crowns and roots. They are known for their lush leaves and low-maintenance nature. Hostas are relatively easy-to-grow and extremely shade-tolerant as well. No wonder they are a favorite among gardeners. But there are still a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want to successfully care for hostas, and one of the most important factors is pruning at the right time.  

Pruning is essential to promote new growth. It improves the plant's health and maintains its structure and stability. However, done at the wrong time, it can result in poor development and increase susceptibility to diseases. During fall, hosta leaves might look a little tired, and for good reason. They are still hard at work and busy funneling energy down into the crown for next spring's burst of growth. And, if you chop hosta leaves too early in the season, you will cut the plant's energy supply, leaving the plants weaker for the growth season ahead.

The rule of thumb for hostas is to wait a bit before grabbing those shears. The best time to prune these plants is when their fall color has faded away and a hard frost has killed their foliage. You'll know it's time when the plant's leaves turn brown, go limp, and are clearly done for the year.

Hostas die back to the ground each year and move resources from their leaves to their crowns, so preserving the leaves until the process is complete is essential. Just don't wait too long. There might be slugs, voles, and fungal spores hiding in the plant as it decays in the fall. It is also not a good idea to use these potentially pest- and disease-ridden leaves to make your own DIY compost. Instead, you should selectively prune slug-damaged, shredded, or diseased leaves to improve the plant's appearance. Keep in mind that regular pruning is not a substitute for the late-fall removal that reduces habitat for overwintering pests. 

Another neat trick to increase the vigor of Hostas is to deadhead the flower stalks after they bloom. This also helps with directing the energy flow to the parts in most need of it. Always use sharp and clean shears to avoid tearing the crowns, and make sure not to cut the green tissue. Doing so will interrupt the translocation processes which are essential to the hosta's survival. 

Beyond pruning, you can revitalize your plants by dividing the hostas every three to five years. If your hosta plant is failing to grow, conduct a soil test and purchase an appropriate fertilizer with balanced formulas based on the results. Together, these practices will ensure that your hostas remain disease-free and  visually stunning, and continue to deliver lush, vibrant foliage year after year.