Divide and Conquer: How to Divide Perennials Successfully
Your seedlings have all grown up. You’ve nurtured them for years. They’ve peaked in beauty before your eyes. And now they’re in full abundance, once with room to spread – but, hmmm – now seemingly snuffing each other out. Before it gets ugly, it’s time to divide your beloved perennials. You may be a little nervous before digging in. But think of it as this: Whether you replant your perennials to accent empty landscape or pass them along to friends in garden need, you’re spreading the wealth! Just follow this advice:
Timing is everything. Early autumn or spring are the ideal times to divide plants. But also in this case, appearances can be everything. Divide your plant when it’s in peak condition—before it’s totally overgrown or the center plants start to get weak. When your perennial looks prime, it’s prime dividing time.
Be aware of the outer circle. To dig out your perennial with the least root damage, dig around the area where moisture would fall off the plant leaves and land, otherwise known as the “drip line.” Doing this will help you capture all of the plant’s roots intact, for much better luck with replanting. Remember to lift out the plants gingerly! Sometimes a perennial will be especially dense and heavy. In these cases, you’ll need to slice down the center before cutting around it and lifting it.
“Cooler is Better.” Because when it’s hot, plants are already stressed and weakened, wait until the weather cools down before dividing your perennials. The roots of your divided plants will also have more time to get reestablished if it’s not too hot.
What to do with in between time. When you’re giving your perennials away – or aren’t going to plant them right away – be sure to keep the roots cool and moist. Give them a sprinkle, then wrap them in moistened newspaper and keep them in a cool, shaded place. If necessary, make sure to moisten the roots before replanting.
Plant on the puny side. When you’re ready to introduce your perennial divisions to their new homes, replant smaller pieces, no more than a quarter of the original plant – and give them room to breathe. Because these tiny guys have the best chances to produce stronger, more fruitful leaves and blooms.
Congratulations! You’ve just given yourself – and others – something beautiful to look forward to!
