How To Divide Perennials

Are you trying to learn how to divide perennials? Don't worry, it's a common concern for gardeners. Understanding how to divide perennials is crucial for the health and growth of your plants. In this article, we will cover the basics of perennial division so you can confidently split your plants and propagate them for a bountiful garden.

The Basics of Perennial Division

Perennial plants are known for their longevity and can be kept in the same spot for many years. Over time, however, perennials can become crowded, leading to stunted growth, fewer blooms, and even disease or pests. Dividing these plants every three to five years can prevent these issues and promote healthy growth. The goal of perennial division is to separate the root clump into smaller sections, cutting away any dead or diseased parts, and replanting them in different areas of the garden.

When to Divide Perennials

Dividing perennials is crucial for maintaining the health and vigour of these plants. Knowing when to divide your perennials is essential to ensure that they continue to bloom and grow vigorously. Here are some signs that indicate that it is time to divide your perennials:

1. Overcrowding: If the plant has outgrown its space and is overcrowding the bed or its neighbours, then it's time to divide the plant. Overcrowding can lead to a decline in the plant's health and could even attract pests and diseases.
2. Reduced Blooming: If the plant has stopped blooming profusely or is producing fewer flowers than usual, then it's time to divide it. This is usually because the plant has become too large for its current space, and dividing it will promote the growth of new shoots that will produce more blooms.
3. Centre of the Plant is Dead: If you notice that the centre of the plant is dead or there is a hole in the middle with no new growth, then it's time to divide your perennials. This could be because the plant has grown too large, and the centre has become starved of nutrients and light.
4. Aquatic Plants: Aquatic plants like water lilies and irises need to be divided every couple of years, as they can quickly take over the pond and suffocate other plants. It's best to divide these plants in the summer when they are in active growth.

It's best to divide your perennials when they are not in active growth. The best time to divide perennials is usually in the spring before new growth appears, or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. However, some perennials like hostas can be divided at any time during the growing season.

Remember to water your plants a day or two before dividing them. This will make it easier to lift the plant out of the ground, and it will also help to minimise stress on the plant. Dividing perennials is easy and is a great way to get more plants for your garden.

Preparing for Perennial Division

Before diving into the actual process of dividing perennials, there are a few preparations that need to be made to ensure successful transplanting and healthy growth. Here are some steps to take before dividing your perennials:

1. Choose the right time: It's important to choose the right time to divide your perennials. The best time is usually in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and the plants are not actively growing. Avoid dividing during the hot summer months.

2. Water the plants: Water the plants thoroughly a day or two before dividing them. This will help the plants recover from the stress of transplanting.

3. Prepare the new planting area: If you plan to transplant the divisions to a new area, prepare the soil beforehand. Clear the area of weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve the soil quality.

4. Get the right tools: You'll need a few basic gardening tools for dividing perennials, including a spade, garden fork, and pruning shears. Make sure your tools are clean and sharp before starting.

5. Label the plants: If you are dividing multiple plants, label them beforehand to avoid confusion. Use a stake or marker to label each plant with its name and planting date.

6. Prepare the divisions: Once you've dug up the plant, gently shake off any loose soil and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the plant into sections, making sure each division has at least one healthy stem and root system.

By taking the time to prepare your plants and your planting area, you'll increase your chances of success when dividing perennials. Happy gardening!

How to Divide Perennials: Division Techniques

Dividing perennials is a great way to keep your garden flourishing. It will help to renew the soil and promote new growth. If you're new to this task, here are some techniques you can use to divide different types of perennials.

1. Propagation by Division. This is the most common method of dividing perennials. You can do this in spring or early fall. It's better to divide the plants on a cloudy day to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
2. Tool Requirements. You may need some tools to divide the plants, such as a garden fork, spade, knife, or hand pruner. Make sure the tools are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the plants.
3. Preparation. Water your plants a day before the division, to make it easier for you to pull them out of the ground. If you want to divide perennials that are still in containers, water them well before removing them from the pot.
4. Digging Up and Separating. Use the garden fork or spade to dig up the plant carefully, making sure you get the entire root ball. Then, separate the clump by pulling or cutting it apart into several sections. Remove any dead or unhealthy parts.
5. Replanting and Watering. Once you've divided the plant, replant each new section with enough space and good soil. Water them well and keep them hydrated to help them settle in their new location.

By following these steps, you will have successfully divided the plants, and you'll have more perennials to enjoy! Happy gardening!

Replanting and Caring For Divided Perennials

After successfully dividing your perennials, it's time to start replanting them in their new homes. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your divided perennials thrive.

1. Choose the right location: Make sure to replant your divided perennials in an area that gets the appropriate amount of sunlight for the specific plant. Be aware of any competing roots or plants that could impede their growth.
2. Prepare the soil: Before planting your divided perennials, ensure the soil is fertile and well-draining. You can add compost or organic matter to help improve the soil quality.
3. Plant at the right depth: It's important to plant your divided perennials at the same depth they were previously growing. If planted too deep or too shallow, they may not thrive.
4. Water consistently: After planting, give your divided perennials a good soak. Going forward, make sure to water them consistently and keep the soil moist, but not overly saturated as this may cause root rot.
5. Keep weeds at bay: Weeds can compete with your divided perennials for water and nutrients. Make sure to keep the surrounding area clear of any weeds or other unwanted plants.
6. Fertilize: Depending on the type of perennials you've divided, they may benefit from periodic fertilization to promote healthy growth. Research the specific fertilization needs of your divided perennials and follow those guidelines.
7. Protect against pests and disease: Keep an eye out for any pests or signs of disease on your divided perennials. Catching any potential problems early will give you a better chance of treating them successfully.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your divided perennials have a strong start in their new homes and thrive for years to come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dividing Perennials

Dividing your perennial plants can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to gardening. While it is a simple process, there are common mistakes that most gardeners make, that can hurt your plants in the long run. Below are some mistakes to avoid when dividing your perennials.

1. Dividing at the wrong time

   The best time to divide a plant is when it is dormant, ideally in early spring or late fall. Dividing when the plant is actively growing can stress it, making it susceptible to diseases or pests.

2. Not preparing the soil

   Before you transplant a divided plant, you need to prepare the soil that it will go in. Make sure the soil is loose and fertile with enough nutrients for the plant to thrive.

3. Not providing enough water

   After transplanting a divided plant, it is crucial to provide it with enough water. This will help the plant to establish itself in the new soil and prevent wilting or drying out.

4. Dividing into too many pieces

   When dividing a plant, it is important to strike a balance between getting as many plants as possible and not dividing the plant into too many pieces. Dividing it into too many pieces can put stress on the plant and can make it difficult to establish new plants.

5. Damaging the roots

   The root system is the lifeline of your plant, and damaging them can cause stunted growth or even kill the plant. When dividing, make sure you use a sharp garden knife or spade to avoid damaging the roots.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your divided perennials grow and thrive in their new locations. Dividing plants not only supports their growth but also helps to manage overcrowding in the garden, letting you get the most out of your plants.