Dividing Perennials

Spring is a perfect time to divide herbaceous perennials.  As perennials get bigger they can start to crowd other plants growing near by or die out in the middle as they creep away from the original spot you put them in. Some tall perennials will get leggy and fall over as they bloom when the plant has gotten too big.

 By dividing them you can move part of them to a new area or set up a plant exchange with your friends! If you are wondering what perennials would be good to divide in the spring here is a good list.

I am big on learning by pictures so here is examples of dividing three different perennials. My two tools that I use form this job is a good fork and a sharp flat shovel. The fork is terrific for lifting the plants out with out breaking a lot of roots and it can navigate the rocky soils of New England. The shovel needs to be flat at the bottom to break the clumps up once you have them out.

What you will need

My daylily to be divided

Use the fork to gently lift the daylily.

After lifting the daylily out from all sides this you can lift up the whole plant.

Take the flat shovel and break the plant in half

I broke this clump up in three pieces

I replanted one clump back in the original spot

Always water, even if the soil is wet!

This is a fall blooming aster which has shallow roots and spreads easily.

For this one rather then lift the whole plants I digs out sections with my fork.

I left a clump where I wanted it and dug out the rest.

Here are the plants I now have for another place in the garden or to give away.

Sedum to be divided

After lifting the plant I am using my shovel to break it up.

I got three pieces from the one sedum plant.

I replanted one piece in the original spot.

The best time to do this is right before a rainy day. If you plan to plant or give the new plants but wont get to planting them for a while pot them up with some potting soil and place the pots in partial shade. Make sure to keep an eye out so they don't get too dry until they have been established. Happy dividing!