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Hosta division

Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231
in Plants
Hello, I have a very healthy looking clump of hostas and would like to divide them and move some to an empty space elsewhere in the garden. Looking online the advice is to divide in August-but I’m too impatient! Would it be disastrous to divide them now? Thanks
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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    That plant has formed a beautifully shaped clump. Dividing it now would spoil that. I’d split in the spring as @LToby has suggested. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Highly unlikely they'll die. Probably just sulk for a bit then perk up. 
    Make sure they're well watered before you lift, and keep well watered after.
    Devon.
  • Loraine3Loraine3 Posts: 579
    You could try putting a spade in where Treeface has suggested and cutting off some parts while leaving the rest. I've done this with a large leaved hosta and it recovered well.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've often split them, and many other plants, in growth. It really depends on how you feel abut it where it is etc, and what you're planning. Easier when there isn't loads of foliage, but it certainly won't kill them.
    Follow @Hostafan1's advice re watering etc, and they'll be fine. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • rebeccamM6CA_Gn6rebeccamM6CA_Gn6 Posts: 133
    hello! I have just 7 days ago divided 4 Hostas from a nursery delivery into 8 plants, slicing through each root ball with a spade. To be frank it was bloody hard work and although I was concerned that I was killing them at the time as it felt so brutal - now they are all potted up and are simply loving life, with flowers coming along day by day. I say go for it! but do use a very sharp spade or knife to make to job easier and to avid any infection / damage...
  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231
    Oh wow, thanks so much for the responses, lots of good advice. To be honest, I know it’s probably a job I should leave til later but think I’m looking for a bit of a project right now... Thank you!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Can we have some photos after you've finished please?
    Devon.
  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231
    Of course, although I’m starting to think twice after dovefromabove’s comment, it is a lovely clump... will sleep on it!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    elspethscott said:
    Of course, although I’m starting to think twice after dovefromabove’s comment, it is a lovely clump... will sleep on it!
    If in doubt: procrastinate.
    Devon.
  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231
    So I decided to wait, rather than spoil the shape of the plant. But... I did find this random little plant in a different flowerbed, is it a hosta?
    I’ve dug it up and moved it to the intended spot, you never know!
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