Transplanting Perennials

Follow these tips on how to best transplant perennials.
Showy Purple Iris

Showy Purple Iris

Perennials that bloom in spring, like bearded iris, can be transplanted in late summer or early fall.

Perennials that bloom in spring, like bearded iris, can be transplanted in late summer or early fall.

Q: I started my perennial garden last year, and it has outgrown my wildest imagination. Now I must move the plants to accommodate their size. When is the best time for me to do this - in the fall or spring?

A: It depends in part on what you're transplanting and your climate. Perennials that bloom in the spring - astilbe, peonies, bearded iris, bleeding heart and others - can easily be divided and moved in late summer or fall. Those that have begun to show signs of entering dormancy - browning foliage - can also be moved in early fall. Wait until early spring to transplant fall bloomers like coneflowers, rudbeckia, asters and sedum. Check with your local extension office or trusted nursery for the best time to move summer bloomers like daylilies and yarrow; in general, wait a few weeks after a plant blooms before moving it. In very cold regions, it's best to divide and transplant no later than early fall so the plants have time to get established before the cold weather and snow hits. Don't worry, though. Anything you don't get to this fall can always be transplanted in early spring.

Choose a day that's overcast or even rainy for the move. Digging up the plant will result in some root loss, so you'll want to reduce stress on the plant as much as possible. Also remove most of the foliage to reduce demand on the roots to supply water to the plant. You can divide a perennial and leave part of it growing where it is, moving a piece of it to another location. Or, if the size of the mature plant is just too big for the space, move both divisions elsewhere. Apply three to four inches of mulch around the base of each new plantlet and water well. Check on the plant every few days; if the top few inches of soil are dry, water again. Be careful not to overwater.

Next Up

How to Transplant Succulents

Succulent plants are very easy to transplant into different garden settings and are perhaps the easiest plants of all to grow from cuttings, division, stem cutting and rooted leaves.

Transplanting Irises

Learn how to dig and move bearded and Siberian irises.

How to Repot Houseplants

Rejuvenate indoor and outdoor plants yearly with these step-by-step instructions.

How to Grow Lamb's Ears, Nature's Most Touchable Plant

Learn how to grow and use lamb's ears — great for a children's garden or a sensory garden.

Are Mums Perennials?

Learn which mums you can count on to color your landscape for years to come.

How to Grow Dianthus Flowers

Cottage garden favorites including Sweet William, cheddar pinks and carnations will add an attractive pop of color to any yard.

What’s the Difference Between an Annual and a Perennial?

Should you pick annuals or perennials when planting your garden? Here's a rundown on the differences between these two types of plants and the pros and cons of each.

Planting and Growing Garden Phlox

Learn how to plant, grow and care for this perennial charmer in your garden.

Planting Coral Bells: How to Grow and Care for These Colorful Perennials

Heucheras, also known as coral bells or alum root, are herbaceous shade perennials native to America known primarily for their beautiful, robust foliage. They’re a great low-maintenance option for landscape beds and container gardens, available in a range of alluring colors.

How to Grow Pachysandra

Meet one of the best groundcovers for shade that delivers evergreen color year round.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.