If you are a gardener, then you have probably grown hostas. These plants are popular for their large leaves and ability to thrive in shady areas. While hostas are generally easy to care for, there is one question that often comes up: when to transplant an hosta? In this blog post, we will answer that question and give you some tips on how to transplant your hostas successfully!
What Is a Hosta?
Hostas are a genus of plants in the hosta family. They are native to Asia and North America, but they have been introduced into Europe where they were first cultivated as ornamental plants in 1714 by English gardener John Tradescant Jr., at his home near London (Tradescants Orchard) for medicinal purposes.
The hosta is an herbaceous perennial plant with large, heart-shaped leaves and tall flower spikes. The flowers are usually white or lavender in color, but there are many other varieties available today including blue hostas (Hosta caerulea), yellow hostas (H. flava), pink hostas (Hosta kikutii), and multicolored hostas (Hosta sieboldiana).
Why Do You Even Need To Transplant An Hosta Plant?
The main reason you would need to transplant an hosta plant is because it has outgrown its original planting location, because the location it was first planted is not the best for the plant, or simply because you want to change the design of your garden.
Hosta: When to Transplant?
You want to move a hosta, when to transplant it then? The answer is: it depends.
If your hosta is in a container, then you can transplant it at any time of the year. If your hosta is planted in the ground, then you should transplant it when it is dormant (i.e., during the winter or early spring before new growth begins). Also, you should consider the spring because mother nature will most likely take care of the watering that the plant will need for you. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to transplant hostas in the summer, as they are not likely to recover from the stress of being moved.
How to Transplant an Hosta
If you want to move your hosta, whether it is in a container or not, follow these steps:
- Dig up the hostas carefully and gently with a shovel. You should remove as much soil from around them as possible without damaging their roots.
- Cut off any damaged parts of the plant before moving it to its new location.
- Add organic matter to the soil where hostas will be planted. You can also mix in peat moss or compost with new potting soil if you’re transplanting hostas into containers, but this should never replace all of the existing dirt.
- Add slow release fertilizer to the soil before planting hostas, it will help it recover and stay healthy for years to come.
- Place the hosta in its new location and fill in around it with more soil. Firmly pack the soil down around the plant.
- Water well after transplanting your hosta!
Do not forget that hostas like tend to like a shady spot before you transplant them so you do not make a mistake and work for nothing.
Hosta: when to transplant? Now that you know when and how to successfully transplant hostas, go ahead and try it! You will be pleased with the results. Happy gardening!
Recommended Readings:
