How to Care for Hostas in the Fall
Hosts thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
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Pruning
Most gardeners opt to remove dead leaves in autumn.
Depending on the variety hostas can be shade plants or can take a bit of sun.Jason Smalley / Getty Images
Foliage turns yellow, then brow, and falls from the plant naturally after dying back completely.
Remove any new leaves with a gardening shear.
Take care to avoid damaging the plant’s crown.
Dividing
Hostas are most oftendivided in springbut they can be divided in autumn.
In northern zones, split plants in September and in October in the south.
Mulching prevents heaving, discourages weedy growth and retains soil moisture.
Remove mulch in early spring when new growth begins to emerge.
Slugs and snailssnack on foliage leaving holes and streaky, silvery trails.
Nematodes also feed on leaves causing yellowing and brown streaking.
Voles are rodent pests that feast on the fleshy roots of your hosta plants.
Disposing of foliage in autumn removes the food source for mollusks and nematodes.
While slugs are more often prevalent in spring, they do overwinter under decaying wood and leaves.
Voles also use dead leaves as winter shelter and the perfect hiding place to reach the lush root system.
Exterminating voles may requiretraps or repellents.
Water at ground level in the morning.
Overwintering Hostas in Pots
Container-grown hostas often enter into dormancy a bit earlier than garden-grown plants.
Keep plants fairly dry and water sparingly only if temperatures remain above 50 degrees F. for several days.
Protect decorative pots
Plant hostas in nursery pots and set them inside decorative ceramic pots.
Autumn Care Tips For Hostas
Removing spent leaves and cutting back your hostas helps prevent potential problems.
Any new growth is subject to damage from winter freezing.
Debris from old leaves makes a good hiding place for pests like slugs and voles.
But most gardeners split hostas in spring when new growth begins.
