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How to Divide Perennials Properly
Growing perennials in your garden is wonderful because they keep coming back every year. However, after a few years, you may notice that the plant is not producing as many flowers as it use to or it has grown too large for the space it is in. At this point, you need to divide the perennial and replant it. Read more to find out the what, why, how and when of dividing perennials in your garden.
Why Do Perennials Need To Be Divided?
Dividing is when plants are split in two or more pieces and replanted. There are many reasons for why perennials need to be divided. They include:
- To keep them healthy so that they don't die out in the middle or attract harmful insects.
- When they become overcrowded because then they have fewer flowers.
- Some perennials are very aggressive and dividing prevents them from taking over nearby flowers.
- To create new plants, either for yourself or for others.
When Should Perennials Be Divided?
Perennials should only be divided in early spring or fall. The only exception to this rule is Irises, which should be divided after they have bloomed sometime in early summer. After you have divided and transplanted the plant, make sure to keep it well watered for the next few weeks as the new transplants become rooted.
How Do I Divide Perennials?
Dividing plants is easy, as long as you know what to do. Here are the steps on how to properly divide your perennial:
- First, water the plant each day for a few days. This will soften the soil so that you can dig it out easier.
- Dig the plant out. Use a shovel to dig a deep hole around the plant and remove it. Try to keep the roots intact as much as possible.
- Remove as much excess soil from the roots as you can. You can gently brush the dirt off or wash it off.
- Next, separate the plant by cutting or prying apart individual crowns. Make sure that each separated part has both roots and leaves, so that the plant can obtain the needed nutrients to grow after it has been transplanted.
- As soon as the plant has been separated, transplant it. Dig a hole that is deep enough to support the roots, place the plant in there and cover with soil. Remember to keep the new transplant well watered as it adjusts to its new home.
How Often Should Perennials Be Divided?
Not all perennials need to be divided at the same frequency. Some perennials don't need to be divided at all. These include: bleeding heart, lavender, oriental poppies and peonies. Some perennials should be divided every two or three years. These include: aster, bellflowers and yarrow.
Since some perennials need to be divided more often than others, how do you know if your perennials need to be divided? Here are some easy problems to look out for:
- There are dead spots near the base of the plant. This happens when the plant's growth is concentrated on the outer leaves and not the inner or base leaves.
- The plant produced very few flowers this season compared to previous seasons. The reason for this is that the plant is taking nutrients away from flower growth and using it for plant growth.
- The plant produced smaller flowers than it did in previous seasons. The reason for this is overcrowding amongst the roots of the plant. Roots need room to spread out, just like a plant, but they can't do that if other roots are in the way.
- Finally, you find that the plant is taking over your garden, but you don't have the heart to throw out the plant. Just reduce the size by dividing it. Then you can transplant what you have removed to another part of your garden or give it away to a neighbour or friend.
Don't you just love perennials? If so, check out our FREE Design Plans to see how perennials would work in your garden.
