When To Split Hostas?

Spruance
Admin

And I will make thee beds of roses, and a thousand fragrant posies.

Posts: 6,606

When To Split Hostas? Sept 27, 2008 16:26:57 GMT

Quote

Post by Spruance on Sept 27, 2008 16:26:57 GMT

We have a large hosta which has long outgrown its pot and we have promised a friend half of the plant when it is split and repotted, but when is the best time to do this?

My personal inclination would be to do this once the leaves have died back and the plant is dormant, the same as for other perennials or should hostas be treated differently?

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.
Abraham Lincoln, (attributed)
16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

Tig Admin Garden Sage Posts: 42,806	When To Split Hostas? Sept 27, 2008 19:28:56 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tig on Sept 27, 2008 19:28:56 GMT One of my books says early spring or late autumn is OK Spru, but it doesn't quote specific months I think your inclination to treat them as other perennials is probably correct.
	Twixt optimist and pessimist the difference is droll, the optimist sees the doughnut whilst the pessimist sees the hole

Amo Head Gardener You can take me out of my garden but you can't take my garden out of me. Posts: 3,940	When To Split Hostas? Sept 27, 2008 20:16:07 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Amo on Sept 27, 2008 20:16:07 GMT www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0305/divide_hostas.asp I agree with the leaves having died back too.

Spruance Admin And I will make thee beds of roses, and a thousand fragrant posies. Posts: 6,606	When To Split Hostas? Sept 27, 2008 22:33:06 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Spruance on Sept 27, 2008 22:33:06 GMT Thanks to you both for the advice. It's always good to have a second opinion.
	You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. Abraham Lincoln, (attributed) 16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

4pygmies
Head Gardener

Freddy - 4P's baby

Posts: 2,804

When To Split Hostas? Sept 30, 2008 6:35:59 GMT

Quote

Post by 4pygmies on Sept 30, 2008 6:35:59 GMT

I don't think it would matter if you did it now actually Spru, even if the leaves are still on it - as long as the ground is damp I think it would be perfectly OK. I often split things at this time of year as I think they recover quicker when the soil is still relatively warm and get a chance to rebuild a bit before the really cold winter arrives. Just my opinion tho'

Spruance Admin And I will make thee beds of roses, and a thousand fragrant posies. Posts: 6,606	When To Split Hostas? Oct 1, 2008 19:41:48 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Spruance on Oct 1, 2008 19:41:48 GMT I think you may be right there 4P. It's in a stone trough at the moment and to be honest it's a wonder that there is any soil left, so I think it would probably appreciate the extra space.
	You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. Abraham Lincoln, (attributed) 16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

Weeterrier Head Gardener Thank hivvins fur the rain Posts: 5,472	When To Split Hostas? Oct 1, 2008 22:41:03 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Weeterrier on Oct 1, 2008 22:41:03 GMT I would agree that it would be perfectly alright to do it now. They are hardy robust plants.

Dutchy
Garden Guru

back at intervals

Posts: 15,166

When To Split Hostas? Oct 3, 2008 17:39:32 GMT

Quote

Post by Dutchy on Oct 3, 2008 17:39:32 GMT

Unless they will be in a more sunny spot next year would be better then.
I split some Hosta at MssK last year autumn.
The ones still in shady area's were as happy as ever the two in sunny position (and yes hosta can live in a more sunny spot) had a harder time getting going and are still weaker.
Maybe I should have watered better but that means they just need more care so you can do it now.
Gosh that was a mighty round the bush blabber about Hosta. Forgive me please

Weeds are nature's revolution against the government of the gardener.

torontotrini
Deputy Head Gardener

Morning has broken; like the first morning.

Posts: 850

When To Split Hostas? Oct 21, 2008 20:55:27 GMT

Quote

Post by torontotrini on Oct 21, 2008 20:55:27 GMT

Good thing I scrolled the board. I've been wondering lately if now would be a good time to split a particular hosta I have, not to give half to anyone, mind, just to move half to another spot in the garden where I think it will look good.

. I've split and moved hostas before but that has always been in the spring and it has worked out well, but there isn't much to do in the garden these days so I'm going through a rough stretch with all kinds of withdrawal symptoms. I do want to move half the hosta, and I'm figuring, why wait for spring if I can do it now. ;D