Perennial Guide
When & How to Divide Perennials
WHY DIVIDE: Division is separaton of offshoots from mature perennial plants. Dividing perennials helps maintain healthy growth and flowering while also propagating new plants.
WHEN TO DIVIDE: Divide when plant is growing , but not blooming.
• Midsummer to Fall bloomers - Divide in early spring.
• Spring to Early Summer bloomer - Divide in late summer or early fall.
• Best to divide in the morning on a cool, overcast day.
HOW TO DIVIDE:
1. Prepare by watering plants a day before and enriching new planting area with Hi-Yield Bone Meal and Cotton Burr Compost or Johnson’s Soil Recipe.
2. Dig up the root system, shake off loose soil, and remove dead leaves/stems.
3. Identify division points by gently twisting the root ball to see natural break points. Each piece should have its ow rotts and no more than two cut sides.
4. Use the right tool to divide: • Loose-knit plants (e.g., coneflowers) - use a trowel. • Large crown plants (e.g., peonies, astilbes) - Use a clean, sharp knife.
5. Replant immediately, positioning divisions ½ inch higher than original depth.
6. Mulch around the crown (2-3 inches deep) and water well with ferti•lome Root Stimulator (repeat every 10-14 days).
ROOT SYSTEM TYPES & DIVISION METHODS:
• Spreading: Slim, matted roots can be pulled apart (e.g., aster, bee balm, coneflower).
• Clumping: Central crown. Requires cutting or prying apart (e.g., astilbes, day lilies).
• Rhizome: Remove old sections; replant individual rhizome, so top is slightly visible (e.g., iris, bergenia).
• Tuberous: Cut ensuring each piece has a stem and bud (e.g., dahlia, some anemones).
PERENNIALS TO AVOID DIVIDING: Butterfly weed, baby’s breath, euphorbias, oriental poppies, Japanese anemones, false indigo and columbines.
