Yewhort is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Hostas are well-loved for their lush, attractive foliage, making them a favorite in many gardens. While hostas are hardy perennials, providing them with the right care during winter ensures they return healthy and vibrant in spring. Here’s a simple guide on how to overwinter your hostas, whether they’re in the ground or in pots.
Step 1: Prepare Hostas for Dormancy
- Stop Fertilizing: In late summer or early fall, stop fertilizing your hostas. This allows them to naturally slow down and prepare for winter dormancy.
- Cut Back Foliage: After the first frost, the leaves will start to yellow and die back. Once this happens, trim the foliage down to the ground. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in the decaying leaves.
Step 2: Mulch for Protection
- Apply Mulch: In late fall, after cutting back the foliage, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the hostas. Use shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips to insulate the roots and prevent the soil from freezing and thawing repeatedly, which can heave the roots out of the ground.
Step 3: Overwintering Hostas in Pots
- Move Pots to a Sheltered Location: If your hostas are in pots, they’re more vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Move the pots to an unheated garage, shed, or basement where they can stay cool but not freeze.
- Insulate the Pots: If you can’t move the pots indoors, group them together in a sheltered spot outside and wrap them with burlap or bubble wrap. You can also bury the pots in the ground or mulch heavily around them to protect the roots.
Step 4: Monitor Through Winter
- Check Occasionally: Over winter, occasionally check the mulch and pot insulation to ensure they’re still in place. If the winter is dry, water the soil lightly, but don’t overwater, as hostas prefer to stay on the dry side during dormancy.
Step 5: Prepare for Spring Growth
- Remove Mulch: In early spring, as temperatures warm and new growth begins to emerge, gradually remove the mulch to allow the hostas to break dormancy. For potted hostas, return them to their regular location once the danger of frost has passed.
Conclusion
Overwintering hostas is easy with a little preparation. By following these simple steps, you can protect your hostas from winter damage and ensure they emerge healthy and strong in the spring, ready to fill your garden with their beautiful foliage once again.
