Hosta and Bleeding Heart

Hard to believe, but in five years of blogging, this is the first time I've posted about hosta or bleeding heart. Hard to believe, because these are my two favorite shade loving plants. And, they both start coming up in April.

This is the perfect time to divide your hosta and multiply the plants in your garden. Most important when choosing a spot for your hosta or bleeding heart is to find a spot with shade and rich soil. I often see hosta planted along sunny driveways. This will only lead to heartbreak because the hot sun scorches the leaves in summer and washes out the vibrant color of the leaves. At One Love Farm, we have few shady areas so we use the spots directly next to the house which provide shade. We also have some spots on the edge of the yard underneath pine trees with lots of shade.

Spring is the time to divide your hosta and bleeding heart. Take a sharp spade and drive it straight down into the soil. Cut around hosta with the spade. You can make as many new plants as you want as long as they are at least six inches or so in diameter. Replant your new transplants in a shady area and they will do well. Truth be told, hosta is pretty hearty and you can transplant almost any time of year. But it is easiest now before the leaves have unfurled and the plant will not suffer as much transplant shock.