Taking a few years to truly settle in, hostas form, when they thrive in cool soil, opulent and generous clumps. It is advisable to divide them to propagate them elsewhere in the garden and to rejuvenate existing clumps. Whether you grow them in pots or in the ground, discover our tips for successfully dividing them!

multiplying hostas
When hostas become very large, they can be divided to obtain new plants

When to divide hostas?

The best time to divide hostas is spring, ideally in March or April, just before the new shoots begin to emerge. It is important to know their location if they are planted in the garden. Spring divisions are safer in regions with cold winters, as young divisions may not have enough time to settle in before winter if divided in autumn. You can wait until the tips just start to emerge.

You can also divide them at the end of summer or very early autumn in temperate zones. However, root healing will be easier during a period of vegetative renewal.

Intervene on plants that are at least 4 years old and ideally perform this beneficial act for the plant every 4 to 5 years.

dividing a hosta
You can also intervene as soon as the first young shoots have appeared

Signs that division is necessary

Hostas show this in several ways. If the plant appears less vigorous or if the centre of the clump begins to die, it is time to divide it. When it becomes too dense and new shoots struggle to emerge from the centre, you may also consider it. Finally, often when one or more hostas have outgrown their allocated space in the garden and start encroaching on other plants, it is useful to proceed with a division.

Successfully dividing hostas

This is a simple operation, accessible to everyone, in just a few steps:

  • Water the plant thoroughly the day before to facilitate the lifting of the root ball and reduce stress on the roots.
  • Using a fork or spade, dig all around the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently lift the entire root ball.
  • Gently separate several sections of the plant: the division can be done into 2 to 4 pieces for large clumps, preferably by hand or with a trowel. If the roots are too tangled, you can use pruning shears or a knife disinfected with alcohol to cut them.
multiplying hostas
Dig up the entire root ball
  • Each division should have at least one or two buds and a good root bundle.
dividing hostas
  • Once the stump is cut into several pieces, replant your new plants immediately in partial shade or shade in a prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Space the new plants about 40 to 60 cm apart to give them enough room to grow. One imperative: cool soil for all your hostas!
  • Water the new plantings well to help settle the soil around the roots.

Apply a layer of well-decomposed compost around the plants to promote good growth. It will help retain moisture and provide nutrients gradually. An organic mulch is also welcome.

Post-division care:

  • Keep the soil moist during the first few weeks after division to help the plants establish.
  • Protect the new plantings from direct sunlight for a few days to reduce stress, and in case of high heat in spring, a temporary shade (cloth, overturned pot...) is welcome in the first few days.