Hostas (also known as plantain lilies) are popular plants known for their big, leafy green or variegated foliage. They’re easy to grow and can make your garden look beautiful, especially in shady areas.
But when fall comes, it’s important to cut them back. By taking a little time to clean them up, you’ll keep your garden healthy and ready for the next growing season.
Is It Necessary to Cut Back Hostas in the Fall?
Hostas are often cut back early in the fall. They tend to die back on their own as the weather cools, and the leaves will turn yellow or brown, although some types have nice fall colors.
After a few frosts, hostas will flatten and get mushy—that’s the best time to clean them up. (ref) If you leave them on the ground, they can become a hiding spot for insects and slugs, which may damage your plants next year.
Cutting back the leaves also helps reduce the risk of diseases. Dead and decaying plant material can create a breeding ground for mold and other issues that might affect your garden’s health. Plus, trimming your hostas before winter helps give them a fresh start when spring rolls around.
What’s the Best Way to Trim Hostas in the Fall?
The best way to trim hostas in the fall is simple and doesn’t take much time. You’ll just need some basic garden tools, like a pair of sharp garden shears or scissors, and a pair of gloves to protect your hands.
Start by waiting until the hosta leaves begin to turn yellow or brown. This is a sign that the plant is starting to go dormant for the winter. Once you notice the leaves dying back, it’s the right time to trim.
You can begin by cutting the leaves close to the base of the plant, just above the ground. Try to make clean cuts, and be sure to remove any leaves that have already fallen around the plant to prevent pests and diseases from spreading.
It’s important to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant or spreading disease. After you’ve trimmed the leaves, you can also give the area around the hosta a quick clean-up by removing any dead or decaying plant material.
This will keep your garden looking tidy and discourage insects from hiding in the leftover debris during the winter.
Trimming your hostas in the fall not only helps them look better, but it also ensures a healthy plant that will grow back strong in the spring. It’s a simple task that goes a long way in keeping your garden in good shape.
What’s the Right Time to Fertilize Hostas?
The best time to fertilize hostas is in the spring when they’re just starting to grow. As soon as you see the little shoots poking out of the ground, that’s your cue to give them some extra nutrients.
Fertilizing at this time helps the hostas get off to a strong start for the growing season.
You’ll want to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, which gives the plant a steady supply of nutrients over time. Look for a fertilizer labeled with equal numbers for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like a 10-10-10 mix. (ref)
Spread it around the base of the plant, avoiding getting it directly on the leaves. Water the fertilizer so it soaks into the soil where the roots can access it.
Hostas are pretty low-maintenance, so you don’t need to fertilize them constantly. Once in the spring is usually enough for the season, but if your soil isn’t very rich, you can give them a light feeding in early summer.
Don’t fertilize late in the season, especially in the fall. At that point, the plant is getting ready to go dormant, and you don’t want to encourage new growth that won’t survive the winter.
Fertilizing at the right time will help your hostas grow lush, green leaves and keep them healthy throughout the growing season. A little effort now will pay off when your garden looks its best next year.
