Perennials
After several seasons of growing, perennial plants will begin to die out in the centre and start to look more like a ring than a clump. When to divide perennials depends on the type of plant and how quickly it’s growing. Keep an eye out for clumps that have grown 2-3 times their size within 2-5 years. Spring is usually the best time for division, since the plants have not really started growing, their leaves have not begun to develop and the root system can take a little disturbance and still feed the top of the plant. This video gives you some tips for dividing perennials in the spring.
This video tells you more about how to divide perennials.
However your divide your perennial plants, you should treat them like new seedlings.
- Try and do your dividing on an overcast day or at least not in during the hottest part of the day.
- Don’t leave the exposed root ball sitting about any longer than necessary. Sun and wind will quickly dry the roots.
- Keep them well watered until new growth appears.
- Provide some shade if they appear to be wilting during the afternoon. A floating row cover will protect them from the sun.
Perennial plant division can be intimidating when you first think about tearing apart your precious plants, but the more you do it, the better you will get at it.
