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 that planning ahead, being gentle, and consistent aftercare are the keys to success. Don’t worry if you have to move your hostas this summer; just follow these tips, and they’ll be 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.
- Once the frost is gone and the pips are about 1 to 2 inches long, decide how many splits you want to make in the bunch.
- If you just want to move the whole plant, dig it up and lift it out.
- Take your clean shovel and go straight down the middle if you’re going to split some off and leave the rest.
- Then dig around that same piece.
- Once you can get it out of the ground, you can easily cut the clump into several pieces with your hands or a pair of serrated knives.
- You can plant your new Hosta in a pot or somewhere shady.
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 when they are stressed out, like when they are being transplanted, they will act like your least favorite coworker or enemy.
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.