Question
Can hostas in full leaf be dug up, seperated and replanted safely? If so should the leaves be left on when replanting?  I have a large plant just full of grass and weed and would like to take this opportunity to seperate and clean out the invaders

Thanks

Carl

Answer
Greetings, Carl.

Normally, the ideal time for lifting and dividing hostas is late summer, in August or September. However, you can, in fact, divide hostas at any time from spring through fall if you perform the task correctly.

You can lift the entire clump in full leaf if it is manageable for you. One suggestion that I would make is to use a large garden fork rather than a shovel to lift your plants. Lifting with a shovel often causes inadvertent cutting of the plant, whereas a fork can be more easily inserted at an angle under the plant, which can then be lifted in its entirety without damage. I have already used this method several times this year to achieve exactly what you are trying to achieve - get grass out of plants!

Then use your fork (at this point, when you know the dimensions of the plant and it is partially lifted), it is safe to use a shovel, if you prefer, to complete the lift.

Divide them (with a sharp shovel, if that is easier) into as many sections as you wish, and get them back into the ground promptly. There is no need to remove the leaves, since you will have an intact root system. Removing leaves is a process that is necessary when you are losing a large amount of the root system, which is more common with roses and other shrubs). You may want to prepare your planting holes in advance.

Once you have planted them (possibly with some nice compost) make certain That you keep them well watered. You may in fact find that the hostas do not react at all badly to being lifted, and in fact will enjoy the "breathing room" and refreshed soil.

I hope that I have answered your question, but if my response is in any way unclear, or you require additional information, please feel free to write again.

Best wishes,

Donna