It’s been a wet, and consequently muddy, start to spring in my garden but the days are definitely getting longer now and I’m itching to get out and start to see the new growth as the spring bulbs begin to fade – it’s such an exciting time.
As tempting as it is to rush out to buy some of the beautiful new season offerings at the garden centre, I'm resisting temptation as part of my efforts to garden more sustainably. I’ve decided that my first task this year will be to take stock of what is already in the garden and see how things can be improved and rejuvenated. The amazing thing about gardening is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive if we work with nature, and sometimes we can get and gift new plants completely for free. Perennial plants are a great example of this.
Usually, when you divide something you get two smaller and often less appealing parts but when you divide plants, you get bigger, better and healthier ones instead. I have to confess there is the occasional fail but this is far outweighed by the many successes, information about which I’m going to share with you here.
Why Divide Perennial Plants?
Over time, perennials can become crowded, leading to reduced growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
They may spread quickly, crowd out other plants and begin to monopolise your growing space, taking all the available light, water and nutrients.
When the centre (oldest) part of the plant begins to die it will provide fewer blooms on the flowering varieties and eventually begin to look patchy. Dividing perennial plants can kick start the plant’s survival mechanism and generate bigger and better flowers.
Nothing lives for ever but dividing plants rejuvenates their root systems, increases health and vitality and also gives you back-up plants of your favourites, if the originals were to die.
Increasing your plant stock in this way is a quick and easy option to fill new growing spaces with plants that you love, plug gaps or even gift to friends and family.
Newly purchased plants can also be divided in this way too, look out for those with multiple stems and strong root systems and divide once you get them home, to have several plants rather than just one.
When To Divide Perennial Plants?
Spring is a great time to divide the majority of the perennials in our gardens. At this time, the plants are smaller, easier to handle and they then have the whole growing season to get established in their new space. Just remember to keep them well watered during particularly dry periods.
Early autumn is another option too as the plants can settle in the warmer, damp, soil before the onset of winter. I would avoid this time for the most tender varieties though, just in case any particularly harsh weather creeps in before they are fully established.
Which Perennial Plants Can Be Divided?
A perennial plant is one that grows, flowers and produces seeds for multiple years, not just one or two. They can be evergreen or die back to the ground each year in winter and then re-grow in spring.
Most perennials are ideal candidates for division, especially when the crown of the plant sits nearer to the surface of the soil. Primroses, asters, agastache, geraniums, rudbeckia, nepeta, coreopsis, heuchera and some ferns have all done well in my garden.
Other plants such as ornamental grasses and hostas are a little trickier as they have dense roots and so need careful handling and more effort to separate without damage but it can certainly still be done.
Some plants like peonies and baptisia which have deep fleshy roots, that can break very easily, are difficult to lift and separate and I wouldn’t suggest division of these unless it’s the only option to save or rejuvenate the original plant.
How to Divide Perennial Plants?
Carefully lift your entire plant out of the ground or pot with a garden fork or spade, handle it gently to avoid any damage to the root system.
Remove any excess soil with a simple shake so that you can see the roots and the point at which they join the crown.
Some plants, will have obvious little plantlets that can easily be teased out and replanted.
Others with fibrous roots can be gently pulled apart, ensuring that there are roots and connected stems/shoots in each piece.
Some of the largest or oldest plants may need to be separated with more force, one way is by using two forks back to back for leverage, another by using a sharp knife or spade. Take great care with this to prevent injury and to ensure minimal damage to the plant.
Next, plant all of the divisions straight away so that the roots don’t dry out. This can be in the same spot, a different location or a suitably sized pot. If doing this in autumn, keeping the pots in a frost free environment over winter can help to protect the plants while they establish.
Finally, water them well to ensure good root to soil contact and no air pockets.
Do give this a try in your own growing space or, if you have a friend or neighbour with a plant you very much like the look of, share this article with them and ask if they’d like to give it a go – you never know your luck!
For more ideas on how to boost the blooms in your growing space for virtually no cost, you’ll find some more great ideas here Saving Seeds - Saving Resources
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