Hostas are the unsung heroes of the shade garden. With their broad, lush leaves and easygoing nature, they bring texture and color to areas where other plants struggle.
But just because they’re tough doesn’t mean they don’t need a little TLC, especially in August.
As an avid gardener with years of experience tending to hostas, I’ve learned that how you care for them during this late summer month can make all the difference in their health and vigor come next spring.
August can be a challenging time for hostas. The heat of the summer is still in full swing, and the plants may be starting to show signs of stress.
This is also a critical time to prepare them for the cooler months ahead.
Let’s dive into the essential tasks for keeping your hostas happy and healthy in August.
Understanding Hostas’ Needs in August
Hostas are hardy perennials, known for their ability to thrive in shady areas.
By August, they’ve already put on most of their growth for the year, and you’ve likely enjoyed their beautiful foliage since spring.
However, late summer can bring its own set of challenges.
The heat, dry conditions, and potential pest issues can all take a toll on your hostas.
August is the time to focus on maintaining their health and ensuring they’re well-prepared for the coming winter.
A little effort now will pay off in a more robust and vibrant display next year.
Watering: Keeping Hostas Hydrated
Watering is the cornerstone of hosta care in August.
These plants have relatively shallow roots, so they rely on consistent moisture to stay healthy.
However, too much water can lead to problems like root rot, so it’s all about finding the right balance.
In August, the heat can cause the soil to dry out quickly, especially if your hostas are growing under large trees that compete for water.
I’ve found that giving my hostas a deep watering once a week is usually sufficient, but during particularly hot spells, I might water a bit more often.
It’s best to water in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and give the plants time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day sets in.
Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
One year, I let my hostas go too long without watering during a hot August, and the leaves started to wilt and develop brown edges.
Since then, I’ve been much more vigilant about monitoring soil moisture levels during this time of year.
Mulching: Protecting Your Hostas
Mulching is an excellent way to help your hostas through the heat of August.
A good layer of mulch not only helps retain soil moisture but also keeps the roots cool and suppresses weed growth.
I like to use organic mulch, such as shredded bark or leaf mold, around my hostas.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer around the base of the plants, but be careful not to pile it directly against the stems.
This can lead to rot, especially if the mulch stays too wet.
Mulching also helps protect the roots as we move into fall, insulating them from temperature fluctuations and reducing the chances of frost heave during the winter.
Fertilizing: Giving Your Hostas a Boost
By August, most of the heavy feeding for hostas should be done.
However, a light application of fertilizer can help them build up their reserves for the winter ahead.
I like to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an organic compost tea.
Apply it sparingly around the base of the plants, and water it in well.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers at this time of year, as they can encourage tender new growth that won’t have time to harden off before winter.
One season, I over-fertilized my hostas in late summer, thinking it would give them a boost.
Instead, it led to a flush of weak, late-season growth that was easily damaged by the first frost. Now, I stick to a light feeding in August, just enough to support the plants without pushing them too hard.
Pruning and Tidying Up: Keeping Your Hostas Healthy
August is a good time to do some light pruning and general maintenance on your hostas.
By now, the plants may have some damaged or discolored leaves, especially if they’ve been exposed to too much sun or if pests have been a problem.
I usually start by removing any yellow or brown leaves, cutting them back to the base of the plant.
This not only keeps the garden looking tidy but also helps prevent the spread of disease.
If you’re growing hostas for their flowers, August is also the time to deadhead spent blooms.
While hosta flowers can be lovely, especially in varieties like Hosta plantaginea, which has fragrant, white flowers, many gardeners grow hostas primarily for their foliage. Deadheading helps redirect the plant’s energy into its roots and leaves rather than seed production.
One year, I neglected to deadhead my hostas, and they ended up producing a lot of seeds, which took energy away from root development.
Since then, I make sure to remove the flower stalks once the blooms fade, especially if I’m not interested in collecting seeds.
Dividing Hostas: A Late Summer Task
If your hostas have become overcrowded or if you want to propagate new plants, August is a good time to start thinking about dividing them.
While the actual division is best done in early spring or late fall, you can prepare the plants now.
Start by assessing the size of your hostas.
If they’re getting too large for their space or if the center of the clump is starting to die out, it’s a sign that they could benefit from division.
In August, you can begin by cutting back some of the foliage to make the division process easier when the time comes.
This also helps reduce water loss through the leaves, which is important if you plan to divide in the fall.
When you’re ready to divide, dig up the entire clump, and use a sharp knife or spade to separate it into smaller sections.
Each section should have at least 2-3 eyes (the small, emerging shoots) and a healthy root system.
Replant the divisions immediately in well-prepared soil, making sure they’re at the same depth as they were before.
Water them in well and mulch to help retain moisture.
Dividing hostas can seem intimidating, but it’s a great way to rejuvenate older plants and create more of these beautiful perennials for your garden.
Pest and Disease Management: Keeping Hostas Healthy
August is a time when pests and diseases can become more noticeable in the garden, especially with the stress of heat and drought.
Slugs and snails are common pests that can cause significant damage to hosta leaves, leaving behind unsightly holes and ragged edges.
I’ve battled these pests for years, and one of the most effective methods I’ve found is setting out shallow dishes of beer near the plants.
The slugs are attracted to the beer, fall in, and drown. It’s a simple, organic solution that works surprisingly well.
For larger infestations, you can also try using diatomaceous earth or copper tape around the base of the plants.
Both of these create barriers that slugs and snails find difficult to cross.
Fungal diseases, such as leaf spot or crown rot, can also be a problem, especially in hot, humid weather.
Good garden hygiene is essential for preventing these issues.
Remove and dispose of any infected leaves immediately, and avoid overhead watering, which can spread fungal spores.
If you’ve had problems with fungal diseases in the past, you might consider applying a preventive fungicide in early August, especially if the weather is particularly wet.
Preparing Hostas for Winter: Setting the Stage in August
As August winds down, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your hostas for the winter months.
Continue to water your hostas regularly until the ground begins to freeze.
This helps them store up moisture for the winter. In late August or early September, you can also apply a top dressing of compost to give the roots a final boost of nutrients before the plants go dormant.
As the first frost approaches, you’ll want to cut back the foliage to about 2 inches above the ground.
This prevents disease and pests from overwintering in the plant debris.
Be sure to dispose of the cut foliage rather than composting it, as it can harbor pests and diseases.
Finally, apply a fresh layer of mulch around the base of each plant.
This mulch will help insulate the roots against temperature fluctuations and protect the crowns from frost damage.
My Personal August Hosta Routine
Each August, I take stock of my hostas and give them the care they need to thrive.
I start by checking the soil moisture levels and giving the plants a deep watering if needed.
Then, I move on to pruning, removing any damaged or discolored leaves and deadheading spent flowers.
I also take this time to assess whether any of my hostas need dividing.
If so, I’ll cut back some of the foliage and make a plan to divide them in the fall.
Finally, I make sure the mulch is still in good shape and add more if necessary.
This helps keep the roots cool during the late summer heat and prepares the plants for winter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes with hostas, especially in August. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
Overwatering or Underwatering
Hostas need consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot.
Make sure to check the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Ignoring Pests
Slugs and snails can cause significant damage to hostas if left unchecked.
Be vigilant about checking for these pests, and take action as soon as you see signs of damage.
Heavy Pruning
While it’s important to remove damaged leaves, avoid cutting back too much foliage in August.
The leaves are still photosynthesizing and storing energy for the winter, so cutting back too much can weaken the plant.
Neglecting Winter Preparation
Failing to prepare your hostas for winter can lead to damage or loss of the plants.
Make sure to cut back the foliage at the right time and apply a fresh layer of mulch before the first frost.
Conclusion: Cultivating a Garden of Hostas
Caring for hostas in August is all about maintenance and preparation.
By focusing on proper watering, mulching, pruning, and pest control, you can ensure that your hostas not only survive the late summer heat but also thrive in the years to come.
I’ve been growing hostas for many years, and each season brings new challenges and rewards.
There’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing these shade-loving plants and seeing them flourish year after year.
So, as August rolls on, take some time to tend to your hostas.
With a little care and attention, they’ll continue to be the stars of your shade garden, providing lush foliage and beauty for seasons to come.
Happy gardening!