How to divide Hosta? - Ask Extension
I have several hosta in front of our home that are getting larger every year. How can I divide these hosta to make them smaller and transplant the res...
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How to divide Hosta? #934055
Asked June 03, 2026, 3:51 PM EDT
I have several hosta in front of our home that are getting larger every year. How can I divide these hosta to make them smaller and transplant the rest elsewhere?
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
Hostas are durable.
The customary answer is to dig out the entire plant, slice it and plant the parts. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/when-best-time-divide-hostas
However, hosta's will survive simply cutting straght down with a very sharp shovel, and then digging very deeply at least six inches out from the outer diameter of plant. Cut half way around and lift a very heavy root ball out of the ground. Have some help. Fill the hole that is left with garden soil and soak it. The advantage of this is that the remaining plant's roots are not disturbed.
The rest of the plant that is now out of the hole, should be sliced into pieces vertically so that leaves are attached to roots. Promptly plant them and water well to soak a connection between roots and soil.
In many neighborhoods, you can put extra host and roots out on the curb and people will spirit them away.
Hostas are durable.
The customary answer is to dig out the entire plant, slice it and plant the parts. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/when-best-time-divide-hostas
However, hosta's will survive simply cutting straght down with a very sharp shovel, and then digging very deeply at least six inches out from the outer diameter of plant. Cut half way around and lift a very heavy root ball out of the ground. Have some help. Fill the hole that is left with garden soil and soak it. The advantage of this is that the remaining plant's roots are not disturbed.
The rest of the plant that is now out of the hole, should be sliced into pieces vertically so that leaves are attached to roots. Promptly plant them and water well to soak a connection between roots and soil.
In many neighborhoods, you can put extra host and roots out on the curb and people will spirit them away.
Thank you for your prompt reply. Would it be best to wait until Spring to dig and divide the hosta? They are already developed and if is hard, with the large leaves, to see the individual plants. Thanks - Mike
Thank you for writing back. It would be better in the spring.
However, may I also suggest that you
1. reevaluate how they are planted. If there is landscape cloth under the stones, it and the stones should be removed and replaced with an organic mulch such as pine bark. This will lead to healthier soil and soil temperature.
2. think creatively about how you are using hosta. A patch around some evergreens does not fully exploit what can be done. Hosta could run down the sidewalk or some other landscaping.
However, may I also suggest that you
1. reevaluate how they are planted. If there is landscape cloth under the stones, it and the stones should be removed and replaced with an organic mulch such as pine bark. This will lead to healthier soil and soil temperature.
2. think creatively about how you are using hosta. A patch around some evergreens does not fully exploit what can be done. Hosta could run down the sidewalk or some other landscaping.
