Fall in the Garden: Divide Spring Blooming Perennials

It's inevitable, as perennials grow and mature they become too big for their allotted space in the garden. Not only that, but they will often become leggy and bloom poorly as they have depleted the nutrients in the soil around them. This unfortunate truth can also affect the vigor of plants growing next to them. Late summer or early fall is the time then to divide and replant them.

Another good reason to divide plants is to increase your stock for no cost. Dividing and replanting these divisions allows you to increase the number of plants you have in your garden and if you are feeling generous you can share the ones you don't need with family, friends and neighbors.

In mild winter climates this chore can be left to later in the season, in areas where the winters are cold and long, it should be done in early fall or late summer. Rule of thumb, divide and replant 4 to 6 weeks before your area is due to experience its first hard frost. This will give the plants a chance to establish some nice new root growth in the cool fall weather and they will bounce back more vigorously in the spring garden.

Size does matter! Keep in mind that how big your divided pieces are, will determine how quickly your new plants will grow in spring. Larger divisions will mature and bloom much sooner. If you are dividing for increased stock, then decide how many new plants you want and evaluate if the plant being divided can provide the required number of divisions at a reasonable size.

The night before you plan to divide an established perennial plant, water it thoroughly. This will make it easier to dig the soil around the plant and lift it out with the least amount of trauma to the roots.

Using a garden spade or fork, dig all the way around the plant, about 6 to 12 inches out. Make sure that you loosen it completely. If you are only interested in removing a small division for propagation, dig away the soil from only one side of the clump only, this way you will not disturb the plant unduly. Lift, pull or cut away your small division from main plant. Fill in any holes you have made next to the mother plant and pack the soil firmly. Make sure to include one crown with good root growth for your new plant.

When dividing the entire plant, ensure that the clump is completely loosened gently lift it from the ground and inspect it to determine where the best places would be to divide it. Include at least one crown and stem stalk per each desired division. If you are having problems detecting where best to divide your plant, use a garden hose to spray away the soil clinging to the root ball.

Depending on the growth habit of the plant you are dividing cut the crowns apart with a sharp knife or shears. For really tough clumps it may be necessary to use a hatchet or pruning saw. Ensure that each division has sufficient roots to establish itself well. Discard any weak or inferior pieces.

Finally its time to plant your new divisions. Plant into soil that has been amended with organic matter and water well. You will be rewarded with healthy vigorous new plants in the spring garden.