When is the Best time to Divide?

One rule of thumb for division is this: perennials that flower between early spring and mid June are best divided in early fall. Perennials that flower after mid June are best divided in the spring.

We divide perennials for a number of reasons:

• Clumps have started to die out in the middle. The “balding” in the center is a sure sign that a perennial clump needs attention.

• Flowering performance has declined. The larger the clump but with less flower production is a indicator.

• Dividing and moving to a new location is a wise idea. Soil nutrients become depleted. When splitting adding new soil or simply fertilizing the soil in the old spot will help.

• Perennial roots are completing for space. When perennials get bigger they start to grow into each other. Making space between each other is good for  growth and easier to combat the weeds that occur in the garden.

• Dividing mature plants can provide plenty of new plants for a new garden bed, or to share with family and friends.

How to Divide?

Digging around the perimeter of the clump with a narrow and long spade is the tool for the job, especially in a congested garden.

Dig all the way around,and deep below under the roots and pry the clump out of the ground.

Try and knock off any loose soil. Some gardeners will a special garden knife but a sharp straight edging shovel will do just fine. Find a natural point where the clump can be easily separated. If there is no such point, then determine the center a split in two, if you can then split those halves each into two. Each piece should have both above-ground shoots as well as roots below.

After the dividing task is complete replant the pieces. Try to plant them at approximately the same depth they were originally growing. A transplant fertilizer is good to help encourage new root growth faster. Give them plenty of water them well at planting time.