Hosta Perennial

Admin | January 07, 2012 | Comments Off

Hosta Perennial

Hosta Perennial

Perennials, such as day lilies and hostas, can provide color and vibrant foliage year after year. Yet at some point, these plants may need to be divided and transplanted if they are to bloom and continue to thrive. There are certain signs to look for that indicate when they should be divided as well as certain steps that should be taken to successfully divide and replant them.

Characteristics of Perennials

According to the Resource Guide for Iowa Master Gardeners (Iowa State University Extension), a perennial is a category of herbaceous plant that can survive for three or more years. An herbaceous plant dies down each winter and survives the cold by relying on its root system for renewal in the spring. The word “herbaceous” refers to the type of shoots produced by the plant, which is soft, green and non-woody. In addition to perennials there are annuals, biennials, and tender perennials, categories that are based on their life cycle.

Rejuvenating Old Plants

Many perennials may flourish in the same spot for years because they are slow growing. Plants that need to be divided may have dead spots in the center, have quit flowering or be producing smaller blossoms. Other signs, according to the University of Illinois Extension are a plant that flops and requires support, is less vigorous or has grown beyond its bed or container. When this happens, the perennial may need to be divided.

It is important to note that a perennial can be divided just to create new plants for other parts of the garden or to share with friends.