Top Perennials to Divide Up in Springtime

Perennials for free? Divide perennials in the spring to increase the number of plants you must transplant in your garden and share with family and friends.

When Should Perennials Be Divided?

Divide perennials in the spring, especially those that bloom in the summer and fall. Dividing in the spring allows the young perennial divisions to establish themselves before it warms up.

As the perennial emerges from the ground in the spring, the new growth is visible. Waiting for risks injuring the leaves, roots, and stems on more extensive, fuller plants. It’s also easier to know where to divide the perennial while the leaves are small.

Perennials may need to be separated in the spring if they’re growing too close together and increasing your garden. Perhaps they’ve outgrown their space and encroached on a fence, tree, sidewalk, or other structure. Another sign that it’s time to divide is when plants take on a doughnut shape, with all new growth on the outside of the root ball and a dead core.

A garden spade or shovel with a sharp blade is one of the gardening tools you may require (or a garden fork). Use a pruning saw, serrated bread knife, or similar tool for cutting through the root ball.

If a plant divides itself by self-seeding new plants, remove the seedlings with a trowel. After that, either transplant or share your creation with others.

Aster?

As soon as new growth emerges from the ground in the spring, divide asters.

With a shovel, dig and lift the root ball. With a tree pruner or other serrated blade, cut the ball into as many pieces as possible. Each division should have at least one massive clump of leaves. Every three years, divide the asters. Well, and transplant divisions to a sunny spot.

Susan the Black-Eyed,

Divide these native perennials every two years to keep them from becoming overrun. It’s time to divide as soon as fresh growth appears in the spring.

Like asters, dig and lift the root ball with a shovel. With a tree pruner or other serrated blade, cut the ball into as many pieces as possible and transplant them to a sunny location. Several kinds of black-eyed Susan self-sow, resulting in transplantable seedlings.

Chrysanthemum

These plants, often known as mums, are best divided in the spring. It’s time to divide the plant as soon as tiny leaves appear at the base. Mums can quickly outgrow their space, so separate them every two years.

Dig the root ball with a shovel or garden fork, then cut it into as many pieces as possible using a serrated blade. Make sure each division has at least one good set of leaves. Place the divisions in a sunny spot and thoroughly water them.

Coneflower

This native perennial, sometimes known as purple coneflowers, is short-lived, so dividing it every two or three years is the best method to keep new plants blooming in the garden. When you observe fresh growth at the base of the plant in the spring, divide it. Dig and lift the root ball using a shovel or garden fork. Cut the root ball in half with a serrated blade, ensuring each half has a robust set of leaves. Water well after transplanting to a sunny location.

Daisy

This summery perennial is likewise a short-lived perennial. One strategy to keep daisies looking beautiful in the garden is to divide them every couple of years. Dig and lift the root ball using a shovel or garden fork. Cut the root ball into as many pieces as you desire using a serrated knife, leaving a firm pair of leaves on each. Plant well and transplant to a sunny spot.

Phlox Phlox

Phlox should be divided in the spring when the new growth is about two to three inches tall. Lift the root ball using a shovel or garden fork and divide it with a serrated blade, ensuring each division has at least one baby plant. Transplant to a bright spot with sufficient air circulation to avoid fungal disease. Water is plentiful. Phlox should be divided every three to four years.

Geranium hardy

Hardy geraniums, one of the most excellent perennials for the garden, should be divided every three years in the spring. Remove any old growth to reveal new development at the plant’s base. Dig and lift the root ball using a garden fork or shovel. Cut into as many divisions as you wish using a serrated blade, as long as each division has one vigorous growth of leaves. It is best to water well after transplanting to a sunny or partially sunny location.

Hosta

Other than in the spring, when it’s easier to discern where to divide them, hostas are difficult to transplant. Hostas should be divided when they grow overcrowded or show the doughnut effect (see the first slide).Use a garden fork or a sharp shovel to dig and lift the root ball as soon as the leaves sprout in the spring. Use a serrated blade to separate the root ball. One pair of leaves should be provided for each division. Some hostas may not require division for several years. Well, water well and transplant to a shady location.

Sedum

Divide sedum in the spring when new growth appears at the plant’s base. Most sedum kinds’ new development resembles tiny rosettes. Dig and lift the root ball with a sharp shovel. Divide the ball into as many sections as you desire with a serrated blade. A good set of growing leaves should be present in each division. Plant well and transplant to a sunny spot.