Keep plants healthy by dividing
Splitting plants saves money and helps fill border gaps
As we move into the autumn it’s time to start looking at your perennials and seeing which may need dividing. There are two main reasons for splitting these valuable border stalwarts that come back every year. If you are particularly fond of one, making more from the parent plant is a pennywise way of spreading their joy throughout the garden.
Some perennials also become rather woody and sprawling over the years and stop flowering as well, so some careful division can revitalise them, and also multiply your plant stocks.
It’s also worth remembering that osets of plants will flower the same as their parent plant, while collected seeds may not grow the same.
Autumn is a great time for dividing because the soil is still warm from the summer, and seasonal rains will keep it damp, creating the perfect conditions for new roots to expand into.
Dividing plants sounds a bit daunting but is actually very simple to do. Dig carefully around the plant then lift it with a fork so the soil falls away, enabling you to see the extent of the roots.
Most perennials can be split into sections using a spade or sharp knife (I often use an old bread knife) but for those with tough fibrous roots such as daylilies, you may need to insert two garden forks back-to-back into the root mass and pull them apart.
Make sure each division has healthy roots and several robust top growth shoots.
Plant immediately and water well after firming down the soil. Mulch with wellrotted compost or manure and don’t let the soil dry out while the divisions get established. Don’t worry if the new plants appear to wilt after replanting, they will soon perk up again.