WHEN to DIVIDE? Decide what to do with some of the overgrown plants by first inspecting each year in late summer or fall. I make note of a few perennial plants in my plant journal of those that are not flowering as well as they should because their roots are over crowded and have been in the same location for four or five years. First thing in spring I tackle those that need to be divided. Plants tell you when they are not happy. Perhaps the roots are a tight tangled mess and they need attention. There may be trouble with insects feeding on the roots. May be the plant has some old black roots from previous years that need to be removed.
It’s time to dig them up and discard the oldest parts of the root ball, keeping the youngest new growth and only replant a small piece to the locations where that plant does well. The rest of the root stock can be given to friends and family or shared with neighbors. Another option is to pot some up for selling. Trim roots and check rhizomes for soft spots or blackened shriveled areas that indicate rot. Cut off dead root stock and discard in garbage; never place this in your compost.
Many perennials like Day lily, Spiderwort, Sedum and Lily of the valley that require thinning out every year or so unless you have a very large garden to spread them about. I have experienced a particular variety of Sedum that doubled or tripled in size over one season and needed to be divided each year. That plant was one that required plenty of room. It's best to try to divide them in April or early May as they emerge from the ground before the plants get too big.
Shasta daisy are another plant that can double in size in a few years time so to keep them in check you need to dig up some plants and move, trade, sell or give them away. Perennials in the daisy family are the easiest to grow because they are not too fussy about the soil type or how much water they get. Very hardy and drought tolerant plants are the best ones to plant for easy care gardens. Plants like perennial yellow primrose are also easy to divide and tend to spread in a formed round shaped clump in the garden. Hosta can be done any time in spring or after they are finished blooming. For plants with tall stalks or large leaves, I generally divide them in spring just as they are sending up their new growth.
Liatris, Black Eye Susan, Chives, Hosta, Lavender, and all types of Sedum need little care or watering. Bears breeches, Culverts root, Yucca, Solomon Seal and Baptisia all grow two to four feet tall and add good height to a flowering garden border. Giant iris also can flower for all of May and even into June adding lots of interest with their spiky leaves as well as height and color. Giant iris are available with variegated foliage too. Divide in late summer if the plant blooms in spring. These are easy care plants that can be divided and shared with others. You may even want to trade with other gardeners who have similar plants in other varieties and colors. Locate a garden club, go onto garden blogs or local sites where people list plants for sale. Most gardeners are happy to trade with others who seek new plants.
Note: Do some research to avoid any plants that may be invasive.
This pink Astilbe is another easy plant to divide by root division every 5 or 6 years.
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