How to Divide Perennials and Why You Need It
Perennials have earned a place in the hearts and yards of people who like to have foliage around but don’t have to spend time planting it every year. And while perennials tend to require less maintenance than their annual relatives, that doesn’t mean they’re completely hands-off.
In fact, after living in your yard or garden for a few years, you may begin to notice that they don’t look as plump and healthy as they used to. Their flowers may be smaller, they may develop a “bald spot” in the middle of their crown, or you may have to start tying up their stems to keep them from tipping over.
If you notice any (or more) of these signs, it’s probably time to split your perennial. Here’s how to do it and why it’s important.
Why you need to divide perennials
While dividing perennials actually leaves you with more plants to add to other parts of your garden or yard (or give away or sell to other people), it has other benefits as well. The biggest one is that it can stimulate new plant growth, especially if it was previously on a piece of land that was getting crowded (with plants).
When all the plants are crowded into a small space, they have to compete for nutrients and water. In addition, the limited airflow makes it easier for them to get sick. Dividing your perennials gives their roots the space they need to spread so they can grow and bloom.
How to divide perennials
Before you start dividing and conquering your perennials, make sure their soil is moist – either by watering them the night before or by dividing after a few days of rain. And, if possible, separate your plants on an overcast day so the sun doesn’t dry out the plants while they’re on the move.
Here’s how perennials can be divided, according to the University of Minnesota extension :
- Use a shovel or fork to dig out the parent plant.
- Gently lift the plant and its roots out of the ground.
- Remove any loose dirt stuck to the roots.
- Divide the plant in one of the following three ways: (1) Gently pull or part the roots with your hands; (2) Cut them with a shovel or a sharp knife; (3) Place two forks back to back in the middle of the wad, and then spread them apart.
- Make sure each “new” plant has three to five strong shoots and healthy roots.
- Either plant the divided perennials right away, or keep them moist and in the shade until you transplant them into the ground.