I didn't cut my hostas last fall, should I do it now?

Question

We're first time home owners and new to yard work, therefore we did not know to cut our hostas last fall. They are now a pile of dried leaves on the ground. Should I cut them back (removing all the dead leaves) and wait for them to re-sprout before mulching? Or do I need to pull them up and start over?

Also, I'm in Minneapolis, when should they start appearing?

TIA!

Answer 1

Don't touch them! Take a careful look under those dried up leaves and see if there are green shoots coming up. If not, leave the dried leaves on as a mulch until it gets warmer.

Once it warms up and new leaves are obvious, you can remove the dried stuff. It was actually a good idea to leave them on over the winter. I live right next door in Wisconsin and everything can benefit by a mulch during the cold winter months.

Answer 2

They should already be coming up mine r, who told u to cut them down, u don't have to, just take old leaves off and break off little twigs down sometimes they just come out easy, clean old stuff off and around, now is the time to divide them, I've had them for years, u can make heartshapes and put flowers in middle, they r fun and pretty. I leave the leaves on as a protection for the winter and easy clean-up in spring. Tia I'm in Chicago, when your spring comes they come up by their-selves and r very hardy plants, so don't be scared to dig them uo and take a knife and divide them leaving some of the roots, those plants are strong.

Answer 3

I think you'll be surprised to find the leaves are just sitting on the ground. If you carefully rake the plant the leaves will go. The new growth should be appearing around now, and forces the leaves away. Mine are up about 4".

Answer 4

Cut off the dried leaves and mulch. They will be ready to go!
:) Congratulations on the house!