You don't need to spend a lot of money adding more perennials to your garden. Here's one case where dividing and adding amount to the same thing.
Plants that are easily divided are those plants that multiply by clumping along the roots, tubers or rhizomes.
When is the best time to divide perennials? It depends on when they bloom: for perennials that bloom in summer or fall, divide in the spring. If they bloom in the spring, divide them in the fall. If your climate is very wet in the spring, wait until the fall to divide. Also don't do any dividing in the summer; heat will put the plants into shock. Since most plants reproduce easily in their natural environment, this project is suitable for novice and veteran gardeners alike.
- With a garden fork, lift the plant carefully out of the ground by its roots. The center of the plant may be dying, but its outer parts should be healthy and able to produce several new thriving plants.
- Most roots will exhibit clumps that are easy to see but if in doubt feel the roots with fingers; these clumps can be divided by hand. Handling gently so as to minimize root damage, separate the original plant into several small plants with established roots and top-growth.
- To prevent the divided sections from drying out, replant them immediately. If the top-growth is somewhat thick, you may want to trim it to reduce moisture loss from the leaves. Leave six inches of top-growth on your plant when you trim it. Replant the divided sections at the same depth as before, refirm the soil and add water.
Easy-to-Divide Perennials: - Day lilies
- Iris
- Phlox
- Goldenrod
- Hostas
- Achilleas
- Meadow rue
- Primroses
- Comfrey
- Sunflower (Helianthus)
- Astrantia
- Agapanthus
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