What's the scoop on cutting off leaves?

9 years ago

I have read several times that you shouldn't cut leaves from a hosta that get raggedy or die off because of the affect it has on the plant, but at the same time I have seen some people comment about trimming off leaves that look bad. When can you and when should you not take off damaged or unsightly leaves?

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Jon 6a SE MA

9 years ago

I suspect cutting leaves on hosta follows the same basic rules as pruning trees. Pruning stimulates growth in the remaining plant and never 'prune' more than 1/3 of the total leaves. Less than 1/3, I would say cut them to your liking. I have had deer eat all but the stems of hosta in mid-Fall and have them bounce back the next Spring surviving only on the photosynthesis of the stems alone.

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Comments (14)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
putting aside the hvx issue of going plant to plant with one tool ...

cutting one or two leaves off.. can substantially improve the look of a plant ... i have never had a problem with that .. presuming it has more than 3 leaves ... lol ...

on the other hand.. mowing them down in august completely.. is not recommended ...

i suspect.. you are reading about dealing with early spring frost/freeze repair.. and others talking about late summer stuff ... apples and oranges on some level...

ken
santamiller
Original Author
9 years ago
LOL Ken. Some of my thinner leafed plants have pill bug damage, especially Kiwi Full Monty on about 25% of the newer leaves. I was going to pinch them off if it wouldn't hurt anything.
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josephines167 z5 ON Canada
9 years ago
I don't know how much difference it makes to the plant, but I try to leave the celery-stalk-like petioles alone and only nip the leaves...the more "green" the better? I am not scientific in explanation (photosynthesis) but Ken explained it a few times that I should remember it :-( .... enough for me to curb ripping off the entire stalk, leaf blade n all.

Steve, I am a bit fussy about looks so when a leaf gets..let's say necrosis... I take scissors and trim off only burnt edges. It really improves the overall look and the cut edges stay neat for a long time. Yes, I certainly have time on my hands but I love fussing over my garden. Any plant is more appealing when it looks its best, isn't it?
santamiller
Original Author
9 years ago
Jo.....you and I are definitely cut out the same mold. A leaf can have a tear in it or even hole and it makes me nuts. I'll pull another leaf or two up over the bad leaf to try to hide it the smallest blemish. :)

That's some really interesting thoughts you have there. Thanks!
josephines167 z5 ON Canada
9 years ago
Lol, I hear ya and I totally understand!
hostas_for_barb
9 years ago
I have to trim my Sum and Substance regularly. I think it is probably in too much sun and so the edges do burn and I get out the scissors too and just trim off the brown parts. Makes me feel better and the plant looks better too.
josephines167 z5 ON Canada
9 years ago
Gee, Barb your comment re S&S makes me think about perhaps NOT moving my SS into more sun this spring! It grows beautifully in dappled sunlight with full late afternoon sun and I thought of bringing it out more into sun. Hmmm...gives me pause. Can you give me more details about its location, please? I don't want the leaves affected...it just might stay put! Thanks!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
A leaf can have a tear in it or even hole and it makes me nuts.

==>>> then its not really a hosta issue.. IS IT????

ken

ps: what kind of nut do you prefer to be????
josephines167 z5 ON Canada
9 years ago
A hosta nut...you have to ask??? Any kind of nut that fits the bill! Doesn't bother me none when peeps think I'm nuts! My hostas LOVE me! Lol lol lol lol
brucebanyaihsta
9 years ago
Thankfully they broke the mold when they made Ken and no one is like him..........

This is a hosta forum, no nuts allowed.
hostas_for_barb
9 years ago
Josephine, my S&S is very mature and it is against an east fence. It is located under a weeping purple fountain beech and I think it competes for moisture. Anyway, if yours is happy, leave it where it is. My outer leaves get burned and they are so big, I can take an inch off without destroying the leaf. I should probably move it into a less sunny location but space is at a premium here.
josephines167 z5 ON Canada
9 years ago
I appreciate that, Barb, thank you. Looks like others will have to be moved instead to make room for my young monster to keep growing. No space here either yet I keep buying like I own acreage, lol!
hostas_for_barb
9 years ago
Ya Josephine, I did that last year too. Must be more disciplined this year. I had to sink some into the ground quickly in the fall but it looks like most of them made it through the winter. Now to find them permanent homes! Our Hort. Society's plant market is coming up and then there is the bus tour in June. There is where I run into trouble. All the Hosta look so good!