My love for Hosta plants began when we moved into our home. There were Hostas that lined a rock wall in our side yard and my Mom began to tell me that they’re easy to split and transplant, they like shade, and they’re really hardy.
Well that sold me. Something I could split, transplant and not kill. That is a win!
I have been splitting and translating those same Hosta for 9 years now and they are thriving!
It is such a cost efficient way to add more to your garden, you could even swap them with friends for different varieties!
Moving hostas in summer might seem tricky, but I’ve done it plenty of times with great success! As an avid gardener I’m excited to share my detailed guide on how to safely transplant these beautiful shade-loving plants during the warmer months.
Why Transplant Hostas in Summer?
Sometimes we don’t have a choice about when to move our plants Common reasons include
- Home renovations or construction projects
- Redesigning garden layouts
- Dividing overcrowded plants
- Moving to a new home
- Creating more shade-friendly garden spaces
Best Times for Transplanting Hostas
While early spring or fall are traditionally considered ideal, you can successfully transplant hostas in summer if you follow the right steps Here’s what you need to know about timing
- Spring: When pips are 1-2 inches tall (easiest time)
- Summer: Possible with extra care and attention
- Fall: Best time, while soil is still warm
- Late Fall: Stop about 4 weeks before ground freezes
Step-by-Step Summer Transplanting Guide
Preparation
- Choose a cloudy day or evening for transplanting
- Water the hosta thoroughly the day before
- Prepare the new planting location first
- Gather your tools:
- Garden shovel
- Twine
- Wheelbarrow or container
- Compost
- Water source
The Moving Process
-
Tie Up the Foliage
- Use natural fiber twine
- Bundle leaves together gently
- This protects leaves and makes moving easier
-
Dig Around the Root Ball
- Create a wide circle around the plant
- Dig deep enough to capture main root mass
- Try not to damage larger roots
-
Prepare the New Location
- Dig hole 50% larger than root ball
- Mix in 30-50% compost with native soil
- Create a slight bowl shape for water retention
-
Transplanting
- Place hosta at same depth as original location
- Backfill with soil-compost mixture
- Remove air pockets by tamping down soil
- Remove twine from leaves
After-Care Tips
The first few weeks after transplanting are crucial. Here’s what ya gotta do:
- Watering: Daily deep watering for 2 weeks
- Mulching: Add 2-3 inches to retain moisture
- Shade: Provide extra shade if needed
- Monitoring: Watch for signs of stress
Common Problems & Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to watch for:
Wilting Leaves
- Normal during first few days
- Continue consistent watering
- Consider temporary shade
Leaf Damage
- Blue hostas may lose some waxy coating
- Trim damaged leaves if needed
- Plant will recover next season
Slow Growth
- Expected after summer transplant
- May take a year to return to full size
- Focus on root establishment
Pro Tips from Experience
-
Don’t Fertilize: Wait until next spring to avoid stressing the plant
-
Division Option: Summer transplanting is a good time to divide if needed:
- Use clean, sharp tools
- Make clean cuts
- Keep divisions well-watered
-
Container Option: Consider temporary potting:
- Use large containers
- Keep in shade
- Water frequently
While summer might not be the absolute ideal time to transplant hostas, it’s totally doable with proper care and attention. I’ve moved dozens of hostas during summer months, and with these techniques, they’ve all survived and thrived in their new locations.
Remember, the key to success is preparation, gentle handling, and consistent aftercare. If you’re facing a necessary summer transplant, don’t stress – just follow these guidelines and your hostas will do just fine!
Need more gardening tips? Drop a comment below with your questions or share your own hosta transplanting experiences!
Last updated: July 2025
Splitting and Transplanting Hosta in the Spring
Transplanting them in their Pip stage is my favorite because they’re so easy to maneuver. No leaves or long stems to deal with. You can see exactly where you are dividing.
- When the pips are about 1-2″ long and the frost is over, figure out how many splits you would like to make in the bunch.
- If you are just transplanting the whole plant, dig around and lift it right out.
- If you are splitting some off and leaving the rest, I suggest taking your clean shovel and going right down the middle.
- Then dig around that same piece.
- Once you can lift it out of the soil, you can divide the clump multiple times simply with your hands or you can easily slice through the roots with a serrated knife.
- Plant your new Hosta in a pot or into their new shady home!
How to Split and Transplant Hosta
You can split and transplant Hosta at anytime of the year, the easiest is the Spring when they are in their pip stage. But the best is in the fall when the ground is still warm. You can even transplant in the summer just keep them watered.
How to Divide Hostas, Best Time to Divide Hostas and Other Planting Tips
FAQ
Do hostas go into shock when transplanted?
Hostas are tough plants, but in response to a stressful event like transplanting, they will exhibit a passive-aggressive reaction like your least favorite co-worker or frenemy.
Do hostas like sun or shade?
Most all hostas will grow fine in morning sun, and a few will tolerate all day sun as long as the soil is moist and the air temperatures are cool. The further south hostas grow, the more they need afternoon shade. Even the most tolerant sun hostas will benefit from afternoon shade in warmer climates.
Can hostas be dug up and moved?
Hostas are hardy plants that can be easily transplanted and divided, so I instructed my gardening team to move them down to my giant hosta bed behind the …Oct 2, 2024
Is it okay to transplant plants in summer?
Avoid moving plants in summer if at all possible. Being hoicked from the ground during hot, dry weather is stressful on plants and they’ll respond by wilting or shedding leaves.