Caring for Hostas in Winter: How to Winterize Hostas

Hostas (plants in the Asparagaceae family)—sometimes called plantain lilies—are shade-loving plants generally ranging from chartreuse to dark green or blue in color. Originally from Japan and other Asian countries, hostas are easy growers that you can likely find at your local garden center. You’ll love hostas if you’re looking for a low-maintenance foliage plant to provide your garden with some ground cover and to liven up your landscaping.

Most hosta plants sprout purple flowers of one variety or another—pink, lilac, and lavender flowers are all common. These fragrant flowers complement the waxy leaves and vibrant leaf colors typical of hosta cultivars. Hosta leaves usually come in broad-leaf shapes, sometimes as pointed, oval leaves and sometimes more heart-shaped or circular. These large leaves are one of the plants’ most identifiable traits, given that all varieties hold their grand size in common.

Consider following these care guidelines to improve the hardiness of your hosta plants through the winter months:

1. 1. Prune back hostas in the fall. Depending on your hosta cultivar or variety and your region's climate, you should begin pruning the leaves when they turn yellow or begin to die. Use shears to remove any new leaves, as this will help the plant conserve energy for next spring. If your hostas have become overgrown, you can propagate the plant by separating the root cluster and repotting it in an indoor container. Potted hostas are exceptionally low-maintenance houseplants, and you can better protect your new hostas in a controlled environment.
2. 2. Refrain from applying fertilizer near the end of the growing season. Fertilizer is an excellent tool to amend soil nutrients and boost new growth in early spring. However, adding fertilizer to a hosta plant as it begins its natural overwintering process could diminish its chances of surviving until next year. When you add fertilizers, the plants expend energy to produce new shoots when they should instead be conserving nutrients and moisture for the winter months ahead.
   
3. 3. Clear away any ground-level debris from the base of the plant. As winter approaches, remove any dead leaves from the topsoil around your hosta plant. This dead vegetation could harbor excess moisture that will promote fungal disease and root rot. It can also act as a shelter for predatory insects like snails and slugs.
4. 4. Spread a layer of mulch around the plant before the first frost. This will help to insulate the root system when cold weather arrives and can also help retain moisture after heavy rain. Additionally, mulch will deter the growth of weeds, which would otherwise leach moisture and soil nutrients from your hosta plant.
5. 5. Provide your hosta plant with water, even after a hard freeze. Many gardeners forget to water plants during the winter months, but it is one of the most efficient winter protection strategies. Once temperatures dip below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, the dormant hosta will rely on internal water storage to survive until the ground warms and begins thawing out after a frost. Water the base of your hosta plants in the morning to keep the soil moist and allow the plant to replenish its moisture reserves before the ground freezes at night.

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