Hostas are best divided every 3-4 years. As they are clump forming and with a tendency to form fairly dense clumps the longer you leave them the more difficult it seems to divide them.
The best time to divide clumps of Hostas is in spring just before they begin to shoot, this will encourage stronger root growth as the soil warms up. Often Hostas will take a year to get back to full size growth after being divided, however with a little added care after dividing they will bounce back fairly well. Hostas can also be divided in Fall before the soil gets to cold, this will allow some root growth before winter dormancy.
Hostas are best divided by removing the clump from the ground or pot completely. Dig around clumps growing in the ground and lift out, or turn out pots onto a potting bench.
Soil can be brushed or washed away to make it easier to identify individual crowns. Clumps can often be simply pulled apart or you may need to use a clean sharp knife to cut through difficult clumps. Always keep as many of the roots attached to each division as possible.
In a hurry? just cut the clump up with a sharp spade into 4 parts, and replant, it may cause a little stress but generally hostas are a tough plant and will survive.
Use a good quality potting mix or work some well rotted compost and manure into the ground when replanting hostas.
You will have noticed that the 'eyes' of the hosta (the new growing points) are below the soil level, divisions need to be planted at the same depth. It is always best to divide and repot or replant in the cool of the day so that roots do not dry out, if you need to leave hostas out of the soil overnight make sure you wrap then in moist paper to prevent drying.
Hosta fortunii
We suggest watering in well with a 'tea' made from worm castings, or use a weak liquid seaweed fertilizer, this tends to encourage healthy new root growth. Keep moist through the first summer.
Hosta Marginata
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