Let The Hosta Flower Debate Begin?

John Plant
2 days ago
5 min read

"To cut or not to cut, that is the question" ... why not take part in our poll at the end of the blog?

Every year, around this time, just as some of the early flowering Hostas begin to bloom, we get numerous requests for help!

Should I be cutting the flowers off my Hostas or not? This seems to be a big debate of those who are adamant they should be taken off for the health of the plant and those that just want nature to carry on as normal.

Should You Should Cut the Flowering Stems Off Your Hostas?

You spend the winter waiting and watching for the first signs of regrowth of your precious Hostas, then come late March, early April they finally start to appear.

Give them a few more weeks and they will reward you with a wonderful show of colourful foliage, that is surpassed by no other leafy perennial.

Then by late May, early June you start seeing flower spikes, or scapes, as they are professionally known. Small, trumpet-shape blooms appear above the pretty foliage in summer. They come in a range of colours from whites, through Lavenders, to purples.

What do you do? Do I remove the scapes, or do I leave them there?

So, should you cut the flowers off, of your Hostas, or not?

Hostas are always a favourite choice for gardeners, due to their fabulous foliage. However, when it comes to their flowers, opinions are divided.

Some gardeners believe that cutting off the flowers is necessary to maintain the health and appearance of the plant, while others argue that the flowers add to the plant’s beauty and should be left alone.

In this blog, we will consider the reasons for cutting off Hosta flowers or not, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

So, seasoned gardener or not, read on to discover if you should be cutting off those Hosta flowers.

Reasons to Cut Off Hosta Flowers

While Hosta flowers can be beautiful, it is said that they can be a disadvantage to the overall growth of the plant. By removing the flowers, you might give the Hosta the opportunity to channel all its energy into the leaves, which are the real star of the show.

If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, some people think the benefits of removing Hosta flowers are well worth it. So, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and cut off those blooms! Before you do, stop & think about it.

Don’t forget.. Hosta flowers also make a nice display when cut for the house.

Reasons to Keep Hosta Flowers

There are some disadvantages to removing Hosta flowers. Consider, the enjoyment of the flowers, and want then to be an integral part of your garden design, cutting them off may not be the best option.

If, like me, you have a very large number of Hostas, removing their flowers can be very time consuming. Consider giving this task a miss.

By not removing the flowers on your Hostas they can add a mass of colour and charm to your garden.

While some gardeners opt to remove the flowers for various reasons, there are also benefits to keeping them intact. Here are some reasons why you might want to keep the aesthetics of Hosta flowers in your garden

Hosta flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health and productivity of your garden.

The flowers can serve as a beautiful focal point in your garden, adding visual interest and variety to your landscape.

Some Hosta varieties have fragrant blooms that can fill your garden with a pleasant scent, making it a more enjoyable place to spend time.

There are many Hosta growers that grow the flowers to cross-pollinate to produce seed and hopefully, that brand new variety.

While there appears to be valid reasons to cut off Hosta flowers, it’s important to consider the benefits that come with keeping them in your garden. By doing so, you can add a touch of beauty and charm to your outdoor space while also supporting the health and vitality of your plants and local ecosystem.

So, the next time you’re considering whether or not to remove those lovely Hosta flowers, take a moment to think about the positive impact they can have on your garden.

Considerations for Cutting Off Hosta Flowers

If you’re looking for ways to promote the growth and health of your Hostas, it’s important to be aware of certain considerations when it comes to the flowers. Timing considerations are crucial when deciding whether or not to cut off Hosta flowers.

Hosta blooms can last for several weeks and are often a beautiful addition to your garden. However, if you think you need to redirect the plant’s energy towards leaf growth, it’s suggested that you cut off the flowers as soon as they start to bloom.

Another factor to consider is your aesthetic preferences. If you enjoy the look of the Hosta flowers, then there’s no harm in leaving them on the plant. However, if you prefer a more uniform look or want to showcase the foliage, then cutting off the blooms may be the better option. This is the most reasonable reason for removing the flowers.

Some gardeners even choose to remove the flowers from certain Hosta varieties to prevent them from self-seeding and potentially overcrowding the area. However, seeds from a Hosta do not overpopulate like many other seeds. They are easy to remove, if they do grow, which is not very likely.

Ultimately, the decision to cut off Hosta flowers is a personal one. It’s important to weigh the timing considerations and your aesthetic preferences when making this decision. Whether you choose to keep the blooms or remove them, your Hostas will continue to thrive as long as they receive proper care and attention.

TIP!.... Don't be tempted to just pull off the scapes with your hand because this can damage your Hosta. Instead, use a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears to snip the scape near the point where it meets the leafy base of the plant.

Conclusion:

So, should you remove the flowers from your Hostas? It really depends on your personal preferences and the goals you have for your Hosta plants.

Cutting off the flowers may help redirect the plant’s energy towards leaf growth and can also prevent the spread of seeds. However, leaving the flowers can add a beautiful aesthetic to your garden and attract pollinators.

If you are looking for a neater, more controlled appearance for your Hostas, cutting off the flowers may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to encourage biodiversity and enjoy the natural look of your garden, leaving the flowers may be a better option.

From a personal perspective… there are 3 occasions when you might want to remove the flowers.

Before they start to colour up.

Straight after they have finished flowering

Before they go to seed.

At this point I should be able to tell you where I stand on the subject, but I can’t or won’t. The debate will go on for many years and each person will have their own reasons for their choice. Afterall, the Hostas (& their flowers) belong to you. It is your decision, your choice.

I am going to sit on the fence at this point.

But we invite you to take part in our Yes/No poll. Which side of the fence do you sit? We would love to here from you.

Do You Cut Off Your Hosta Flowers Yes or No?