It's tempting to reach for the secateurs as soon as your hostas have finished flowering, but knowing when to cut them back — or leave them alone — can make all the difference to next year's foliage and flowers.
A go-to choice for many gardeners, hostas brighten even the shadiest of spots with their luscious leaves and elegant flower spikes. As they begin to fade between late July and early September, a few simple jobs can help them to thrive — and keep unwanted slugs at bay.
Take a look at the three top tasks to do once your hostas have finished flowering:
1. Deadhead spent flower spikes
The first task once your hostas have faded is to deadhead spent flower spikes. Using your secateurs, cut off the tall, bare flower spikes that remain after the blooms have gone over.
"The reason this is so crucial is that if you leave them, the plant will waste valuable energy trying to produce seeds," says Melissa Quinney, Garden Expert at Cabin Master.
"By snipping the stalk off as close to the base of the plant as you can, you redirect all that energy back into the roots and the leaves, which are the real stars of the show for most hosta lovers. It's a quick and simple job that keeps your plant looking tidy and in prime health."
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2. Give your plants a light feed
"Flowering takes a lot out of a plant, and hostas are no exception. After you have deadheaded, a light feed can work wonders," explains Melissa. "The best approach is to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to let it touch the leaves or crown."
You can use a granular fertiliser in the 5-5-5 range (around one tablespoon per plant) or garden compost to provide a gentle supply of nutrients.
3. Tidy up — and keep an eye on pests
Once those tasks have been completed, it's time for a general tidy-up. Remove any yellow, damaged, or scorched leaves to discourage any diseases from taking hold.
"It is also wise to be especially vigilant for slugs and snails at this time of year, as they can be a real menace to hosta leaves," says Melissa. "Keep your eyes peeled and use your preferred method of control to protect your plants."
Not sure where to start? Country Living's gardening columnist, Jo Thompson, shares seven foolproof tips for keeping slugs at bay.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
