Cutting down hostas

[dwyman]

What is the best way to cut down hostas? Last year I used a string trimmer to whack them down but that was way too messy. Do you use hand pruners or what do you use? Thanks for any ideas.

[Cummings_25]

hedge trimmers manual or eletric work nice if there is not a whole lot

[RRS]

Hand pruners. Hedge trimmers work, but usually you'll dull your blade quickly by hitting the ground by accident.

[theweedman]

i cut down 10 today with a hand pruner, wasnt messy, didn't take that long.

What is the best way to cut down hostas? Last year I used a string trimmer to whack them down but that was way too messy. Do you use hand pruners or what do you use? Thanks for any ideas.

[Braxton]

OK. This question marks me as a complete novice, but that's what I am, so...Why cut down hostas at all?

Braxton

[RRS]

This question marks me as a complete novice, but that's what I am, so...Why cut down hostas at all?This question marks me as a complete novice, but that's what I am, so...Why cut down hostas at all

In the zone I live in Hostas are perennials. The foliage dies at the end of the season and becomes unsightly so you cut them back and cover lightly with mulch. Then next spring they'll come back. This is done with most perennial plants, with the exception of plants that are valued for their winter foliage. An example would be Liriope and a lot of other ornamental grasses. Their dead foliage can actually add a nice texture and color to a winter perennial bed.

Better to look like a novice now than an idiot later.

[dwyman]

thanks for the replies. i figured hand pruners but wanted to see if anybody used anything different like loppers or like mentioned hedge trimmers.

[RRS]

There are a lot of varieties of hostas out these days that keep their foliage well past the first frost in zone 7. Don't cut them until they start to look haggard.

[dwyman]

There are a lot of varieties of hostas out these days that keep their foliage well past the first frost in zone 7. Don't cut them until they start to look haggard.

Are you saying don't cut them until they start browning? What if I cut them and they still look healthy? What will happen, not that I would do that but just like to learn as much as I can.

[RRS]

Are you saying don't cut them until they start browning? What if I cut them and they still look healthy? What will happen, not that I would do that but just like to learn as much as I can.

I was just saying that if you want to, you can leave them as long as you like, and that there are some varieties out now that will continue to look good after the first frost. There is nothing that will happen if you cut them back when the are still green unless you were to do it really early.

[Seascape]

HOSTA BASICS

[Braxton]

Better to look like a novice now than an idiot later.

Yep.

Thanks.

Braxton

[dwyman]

Thanks for the link mike.

[nick11380]

I have one yard with four hostas next to the garage. They're on the south side, get full sun and don't look nearly as nice as the other hostas in that yard. Near the end of July or ealy September I run them over with the lawn mower and they keep growing. The others I cut down near the end of October.

[GroundKprs]

Quickest way to cut back hostas cleanly at end of year is to use an old serated knife - large steak knife is ideal. Get as much of hosta in one hand as you can, slice thru at ground level with other hand. Old bedsheet spread nearby holds all refuse to be dumped into trailer when done.