Hostas Damaged By Bugs?

Question:

This summer, something got at my hostas. It looked like a squash bug. We powdered them, but overnight, these little buggers ate the leaves off, right to the vein. They look so sick and just awful. Should I cut them back this fall? My patch was just beautiful until it got all chewed up.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Diane from Jefferson City, MO.

Answer:

Diane,

Sorry to hear about your hosta. Go ahead and cut back whatever remains of the leaves as soon as they turn yellow. As long as the leaves (or what remains of them) are green, they are still producing food for the plant. Because your plants lost so many leaves, you'll want them to go into winter with as many reserves as possible. Usually after one or two good frosts the leaves will start to die back. It isn't necessary to cut back the leaves, but it's always a good idea to clean them up in the fall to prevent slugs, snails and other pests from taking refuge among leaf debris over winter. I wish I knew what attacked your hostas so I could help you find better ways to prevent it from happening next year. Slugs and snails are the usual hosta culprits, but other pests can wreak plenty of havoc, too. If these same pests should happen to show up again and you have a camera handy, try to snap us a picture of them.

Ellen