is it true?

[hostasilly]

The color encylopedia of hostas says you need to divide Pauls Glory every 4 0r 5 years to maintain the correct color. Is this true? What color does it become without division?

[Chris_W]

Hi hostasilly,

If you have a true to form plant I don't believe that is necessary, so I would say it isn't true. I suppose it could be possible for Paul's Glory to sport/revert to solid blue-green every once in a while, but I don't think it is that common in a mature clump.

I've heard of a few cases like this in the CEOH where there is some unusual advice. I've also noticed a couple incorrect photographs. It is probably the most up to date hosta reference out there now, but I'm really looking forward to Mark Zilis' new book to replace it

[hostasilly]

I'm really glad to hear your opionion Chris because I don't like to divide. I want them to get as big as possible & I've heard, maybe on this forum, that it takes 5 to 6 years for a hosta to mature & that is without dividing or moving it. If it is moved or divided it sets it back.

[JoshS]

I've had PG for nearly 10 years...never divided it and it still looks like PG should.

[Wild Dog]

All hosta revert more or less depending on varieity but dividing to avoid reverting does no good, in fact dividing a hosta is more likely to cause it to revert than not.

The only thing one can depend on is the "fairy ring" if the plant is old enough and I'm working on that question, first results are promising, will report later.

[Wild Dog]

PS
Stress/damage (dividing) will cause reverting and sports, more reverting than sports.

Alex Summers stomped on his unstable plants to cause them to put up more eyes hence more sports.

BTW, the hosta world is full of "Old Wives Tales".

[John]

Those old wives knew what they were talking about...

[Arlene]

. . . and apparently they spent most of their time talking!