Julie Weisenhorn, Extension educator and Molly Furgeson. Most plants are divided in either the early spring or fall, but some plants can be divided at any time in the year. The growth and performance of perennials decreases as the plants become crowded. To divide the perennial, use two pitch forks to pry and split the plant apart. Keep these divisions shaded and moist until they are replanted. Dividing perennial plants works best either before or after their blooming season since they're dormant. Dividing plants is easy. 1. This argument is compelling in warm climates. But dividing your perennials ever few years solves this issue. Start a few inches outside of the base of plants to ensure you remove the entire root ball. We have used them for years to grow hundreds of starts until we need them for new beds or a different look in the landscape. Growing landscapes to help bees and other pollinators. You should divide opposite bloom time. Rain showers that generally come along with the early season are helpful. It's preferable to divide hostas in the late summer and early fall, roughly 4 weeks before first frost. And one thing is for sure, that action will pay huge dividends next year in the performance of your flowerbeds. (Lucky!) It is easy to locate the plants that need dividing. (Many won’t survive fall division.) The Reasons to Divide Your Perennials… When to Divide. The type of plant and the climate in which you live also determines when to divide a plant. This allows the plant, once divided, to put its energy into root and leaf development. focus on spring and summer blooming perennials that have gone dormant If you’re dividing perennials in the spring, do it when top growth is two to three inches tall. However, division is most successful when the plants are not in active growth. Dividing Perennials in the Fall. Plants have stored up energy in their roots that will aid in their recovery. 2 When dividing in the spring, wait until new shoots are about 1” tall. That’s because the plants will have the fall and winter to grow new roots and become established before next year’s growing season. When perennials are divided, there is more space for roots to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Some fleshy rooted perennials such as poppy, peony, and iris are best divided in the late summer to very early fall. 2020 Dividing Perennials 2 In terms of environmental conditions, it is best to divide perennials when the weather is cool and wet, usually in the spring and fall. The second-best time to divide your perennials is early fall. ), Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) and Siberian iris (Iris siberica) are best divided in the fall. Astilba. By the following spring, plants are over the shock of planting, and ready to grow. As their roots become overcrowded, it becomes difficult to absorb the nutrients and moisture plants need from the soil. Nau, Jim. The best time to divide perennials depends on what perennial you’re dividing and where you garden. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. That means that you should have already divided plants like hostas. By dividing them at the appropriate time, more of the plant’s energy will go into growing new roots and leaves. For many perennials, now is a good time for dividing perennials and move others around if you’ve found they aren’t in the right spot for you. So what if you don’t have a place for your new plants just yet? Fall division should take place between early September in the uppermost Piedmont and mid- to late October on the coast. When digging out plants, always remove as much of the root mass as possible. Stipes Publishing Company, Champaign, IL. Late summer and early fall are the best times to dig up and divide perennials. Fall blooming plants are best done in spring when new shoots have appeared. © 10 Popular Flowering Perennials to Move in Fall These are spring and early summer bloomers that can be divided and moved in fall. Division is usually started when growth resumes in the spring. When dividing plants in the fall, time it for four to six weeks before the ground freezes for the plants roots to become established. Fall or early spring are the best times for dividing perennials. Timber Press, Portland OR. It’s also a great way to give a few plants away next spring to friends and family as a little spring gift! Timber Press, Portland, OR. This article may contain affiliate links. By the following spring, plants are over the shock of planting, and ready to grow. If you have perennials that fully bloom late in the summer or early in fall, choose a day in early spring to make your divisions so the roots can establish themselves and make your plant stronger. By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the plant’s energy can go to root and leaf growth. Plants can be divided successfully at almost any time if they are kept well-watered afterwards. When transplanting, we fill all of our transplant holes back in with a 50/50 mix of soil and compost. Using Pitch Forks to Divide Perennial Plants To divide the perennial, use two pitch forks to pry and split the plant apart. Dividing perennials in the fall gives the plants more of a time for the roots to develop strongly into the soil before the next gardening season. Holding beds are a great way to establish and keep new plants over winter. These diagnostic tools will guide you step-by-step through diagnosing a plant problem or identifying a weed or insect. Replant each divided section. If you’re dividing perennials in the spring, do it when top growth is two to three inches tall. Divide the perennials when the plants are looking full and lush but before they start to show signs of overcrowding. Hostas are fairly tough plants, though, and can be divided at any time during the growing season if you carefully replant, water, and mulch the divided clumps. And autumn reproduction by dividing has a significant advantage over spring - seated delenki adapt to a new place of residence before winter, and in the spring they actively start growing and … How To Create An Incredible Fall Compost Pile Now To Power Next Year’s Garden. Here is to dividing and transplanting your perennials this fall – and to healthier, more productive flower beds next year! It is easy to locate the plants that need dividing. By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the … Astilbe | Astilbe | false goat’s beard | false spirea Restricted airflow can lead to diseases. Some perennials, like iris and peony, are best divided in early fall. Rarely needs to be divided, so divide only for new plants, every 7 to 8 years: Joe-Pye weed Eupatorium purpureum: Spring, Fall: Woody crown: Divide in early spring for easy handling; for fall division, cut back flowers; may need a saw or hatchet to cut apart woody crown: Lady’s mantle Alchemilla mollis: Spring, Fall: Clump Rarely needs to be divided, so divide only for new plants, every 7 to 8 years: … Some gardeners advocate dividing spring-bloomers in fall and all other flowering plants in spring. Their scientific names are given in italics. When to divide perennials. Late summer and early fall are the best times to dig up and divide perennials. Dividing ornamental grasses is best done in late winter or early spring before growth starts. 1996. Once your perennial has been lifted from the ground, turn it over so the foliage is face down. Divide summer-flowering plants in spring (Mar-May) or autumn (Sep-Nov) when the soil is dry enough to work. When to Divide Your Perennials While you can divide most perennials any time from spring to fall, those two seasons are best. When to divide perennials Plants can be divided successfully at almost any time if they are kept well-watered afterwards. Insert the forks into the center of the lifted plant so that the backs of the forks are touching each other and the tines are crossing. By flipping the plant over, it reveals the entire root structure, allowing you to split the plant in even sections. Encyclopedia of Perennials: A Gardener's Guide. Divide the perennials when the plants are looking full and lush but before they start to show signs of overcrowding. Growing Perennials in Cold Climates. Heger, Mike, Lonnee, Debbie & Whitman, John. During the fall season, focus on spring and summer blooming perennials that have gone dormant and whose roots have had plenty of time to get established. Keys To Dividing Perennials Always use a sharp spade, being sure to dig up the entire plant. See: How To Keep Flowerbeds Weed Free. 1994. Divide the perennial when it is not in bloom, so it can focus its energy on root and leaf growth. In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. Manual of Herbaceous Landscape Plants. 2. Here is a big hint : don’t keep transplants lying around for days to plant. For either of these plants, he suggests cutting the foliage off to four to six inches, shaking off a little of the dirt, then using a sharp shovel to divide it into clumps. Tackle spring-blooming perennials in fall and fall bloomers in spring. However, division is most successful when the plants are not in active growth. “Dividing perennials can help increase blooms, decrease crowding and stress, and – best of all – add more of your favorite plants throughout your garden.” Houle mentions that peonies are ones that should only be divided in the fall and only if needed. They reason that, by dividing perennials in fall, the plant has several months to recuperate before summer's heat returns. Another reason to divide perennials in the flower garden is to get several plants instead of one. Product Link : Hori Hori Horticultural Knife. Select larger plants with good foliage and strong growth habits. If division is indicated, spring is the preferred time to divide. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN. So when it’s time to divide your perennials, be brave. To lift a perennial with minimal root damage, begin digging at its drip line. The centre section can be discarded. Dig up your plant. But by getting these plants split and in the ground in the fall, it allows the roots to be ready to grow strong the following spring. In Zones 3 to 5, you’ll want to plant earlier if you can. Happy Gardening – Jim and Mary. “Dividing perennials can help increase blooms, decrease crowding and stress, and – best of all – add more of your favorite plants throughout your garden.” Houle mentions that peonies are ones that should only be divided in the fall and only if needed. Overcrowded plants compete for nutrients and water. It’s going to be fine. Regardless of which method is used, dividing the plant when it is not in bloom allows all the plant's energy to go to root and leaf growth. should be divided in spring. The topic is dividing perennials in the fall. Compost is not only full of nutrients, it also helps retain moisture around the roots of plants. Shake the soil off the roots. This episode is meant for beginning to intermediate gardeners wanting to learn more about plant maintenance this fall. Certain sources recommend dividing spring- and summer-blooming perennials in the fall, while other sources suggest dividing spring-blooming perennials in April or May, right after the plant finishes flowering. Dividing perennial plants on a regular basis has a whole slew of advantages for both the gardener and their plants. A general rule of thumb is to divide perennials after they flower. The best way to create a strong new start from a perennial plant is dividing from a healthy, mature plant. Perennials with fleshy roots such as peonies (Paeonia spp. Not only will it help to keep weeds out naturally with a thick coat of foliage, it also means less mulch and mulching chores too! Allow the soil to dry out a bit before digging up plants. This is the ideal time to start your fall plants. 4 - learn tips for plant division, do's and don'ts about dividing plants, and more. Perennials are plants that grow back each year. This is because dividing your perennials can be stressful on the plants—and they'll recover better from the shock in cool, moist conditions. In regard to northern climates, winter heaving must be taken into consideration. Product Link : Hori Hori Horticultural Knife. Along with transplanting woody ornamentals, October is a good month to divide some perennial flowers. Start at the drip line. Plants that produce blooms in early spring should be divided in the fall for minimal impact on flowering and to prevent transplant shock. Cut foliage back to 6” or half the plant to make it easier to cut. The process starts by digging around the plant and then lifting the entire clump out of the ground. Before we begin, you will need a few tools to assist you in successfully dividing your plants. For starters, it’s an excellent way to keep plants healthy and manageable over time. All of these are signs that it is time to divide. Some common perennials that can be divided in the fall include hosta, black-eyed Susan, purple cone flower, daylily, garden peony and tickseed. Divide when the plant is not flowering so it can focus all of its energy on regenerating root and leaf tissue. Press down so … So when it’s time to divide your perennials, be brave. When transplanting, always add compost into the new planting hole along with the soil in the beds. Perennial plants with fleshy roots are easily pried apart with forks. In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. Most ornamental grasses grow easily and quickly from just a small start. In this case, dig up the entire clump and divide the healthy outer ring into pieces. The best time to divide perennials depends on what perennial you’re dividing and where you garden. Use a sharp shovel to dig an inch or two out from the edge of the root zone. It is best, however, to avoid the hottest weeks of summer. Early spring and late fall are the best times for division because the cool, rainy weather these two seasons bring helps plants make it through the stress of being dug up, divided, and transplanted. The growth and performance of perennials decreases as the plants become crowded. Timing is key when dividing perennials. Spring and autumn are the recommended times, as those are the seasons when plants tend to establish new roots. Plants that bloom in the fall should always be divided in the spring when new growth is emerging. Spring and autumn are the recommended times, as those are the seasons when plants tend to establish new roots. The rhizome of astilba grows up and eventually appears on the surface, lacking moisture and risking freezing in winter. It’s going to be fine. If dividing plants in the fall, prune plants back to just a … When it comes to digging up, dividing, and transplanting perennials from your flowerbeds – fall is the time for action. The best time to divide ornamental grasses is in the spring while they are still dormant. Reasons Why We Divide Perennials. Dig up the parent plant using a spade or fork. Tackle spring-blooming perennials in fall and fall bloomers in spring. Reduced plant performance may not be the only reason to divide perennials. Ball Perennial Manual: Propagation and Production. Most are completely finished growing by fall up top, and they are simply heading into dormancy. Then create a holding bed! I’ve listed the most optimal times to divide specific perennials below. First, gather your tools. This, in turn, makes it hard for plants to get the oxygen and nutrients needed for survival. Some perennials, like iris and peony, are best divided in early fall. Ideally, divide plants when there are a couple days of showers in the forecast to provide enough moisture for the new transplants. The quicker a divided perennial is planted, the better chance it has to settle in and establish a few roots before winter. For most perennials, their root zone will be equal to the outer most edge of the foliage. Did you know that fall is the perfect time for dividing perennials? Here are a few big keys to dividing perennials in the fall. Loosen the soil around the entire plant first, and then dig deep under the roots to pop the plant up from the ground. As a rule of thumb, spring and early summer flowering perennials are said to be best moved and divided in the fall, and any later summer through fall bloomers should be divided in the spring. Make sure the plants are well watered. Transplant to a new location as soon as you dig and divide, being careful not to let the roots dry out completely. 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