|
Dividing perennials offers many benefits. It revitalizes and controls the growth of established plants. Plus, it multiplies the number of plants in your yard! Perennials  can be divided early spring or fall. Early season bloomers such as creeping phlox should be divided in the fall. Other plants that prefer fall division include peonies, bleeding hearts, oriental poppies and bearded iris. However, plants that bloom in mid to late summer such as Shasta daisies should be divided early spring. Ornamental grasses are also among those plants that prefer to be divided in spring when they are still dormant. If you plan on dividing perennials this fall, now is a great time to do so because the newly transplanted plants will have plenty of time to establish roots before the first hard frost.
Required Tools and Supplies:
· Tarp for easy transport and clean up
· Digging spade, shovel or fork
· Small axe, knife or handsaw for tough clumps
· Garden rake
· Water source and hose
Dividing Perennials:
Regardless of when you divide perennials, always make big divisions with plenty of good roots. When you are ready to begin dividing, follow these instructions:
· Water plants one day prior to dividing if the weather has been very dry.
· Cut foliage back to within two to three inches from the ground.
· Take divisions from vigorously growing outer sections.
· Cut into the soil with your spade or selected tool approximately six to eight inches from the edge of the plant’s crown.
· Dig around and under the entire area you wish to remove and lift carefully. Note: some plants fall apart easily and can be divided by hand (i.e. asters) while others require a sharp tool (i.e. astilbe, hosta).
· Place the newly divided plant on a tarp and remove any dead, woody material.
· Replant in compost-enriched soil, rake the planting bed and water thoroughly. Note: If unable to plant immediately, keep divisions in the shade and cover the roots with a damp piece of burlap or place temporarily in nursery pots and keep well watered.
|
