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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsHosta has disappeared over the wi …

Hosta has disappeared over the winter? Is this normal?

#1 · 23rd February 2024, 5:57 pm

Last year I planted lots of Hosta's and they did really well. I have two questions though - at the moment there is no sign of them at all - they've literally completely disappeared! I believe this is normal as the plants die back over winter and I think I'm right in saying they should come back bigger and stronger this year? but this made me wonder, how do plants do this though? if they were a decent size last year how can they grow quicker and be bigger each year?

#2 · 26th February 2024, 4:11 pm

Hi @tankboy74

Many thanks for your comment about Hostas and whether they should die back in the winter.

The answer is yes, all Hostas die back in the winter as they are herbaceous perennials. Herbaceous perennials all enter a period of dormancy over the winter and lose their leaves. Then, the following spring, they emerge again and repeat the cycle. You can read more on herbaceous perennials and plant types here.

So if your Hostas have melted into the ground over winter, this is perfectly normal.

What you will notice is small shoots emerge around late March to April. This is the time you need to be mindful of slugs and snails to ensure that the new shoots are not decimated by these slimy garden pests!

Sometimes, placing a small garden cafe near the Hosta each autumn means you can keep a tab on its location ready for next year.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja