Learn How to Get More Plants by Dividing Perennials

3 Materials
$10
30 Minutes
Easy

Spring, late summer and fall are the best times to divide and/or transplant perennials. The plants will recover better if they are divided and transplanted on an overcast, cooler day. Although, most perennials are pretty resilient and will eventually recover no matter when they are transplanted. Follow along as I show you how to transplant a perennial.


First prepare the hole for your plant's new home. Simply dig a hole and loosen up the soil in the bottom of the hole. Next fill the hole with water and let it drain. Add in some compost if you have lousy soil. I usually add in Osmocote or some other type of slow release fertilizer to the freshly dug hole.

The next step, is to dig up the plant that needs to be moved. Simply make a circle (use your shovel, or a stick, or your imagination) approximately 6 inches (this depends on the size of the plant) from the base of the plant and beginning digging around the plant. The idea is to go deep and wide in order to get all the roots. Some plants, like daylilies and hosta have huge root systems, so you'll need to take that into account.

If you want to divide the plant, loosen up the soil and roots with your hands. Then simply break or cut the plant into pieces from the crown down. In the picture of the daylily above, it's easy to see where to cut. Simply separate sections of the plant and using a sharp knife, cut down through the crown of the plant and roots.


Once you have your plant dug up and its new home dug, it's time to replant. Place the perennial in the hole you prepared, testing out the size. Make the hole bigger if necessary. You want the roots to be able to spread out. Also make sure the soil is loose and not compacted. Back fill the hole around the plant, adding in compost as needed.

 

This Yarrow plant is happy in it's new home. Be sure to keep your plant well watered over the next few weeks. It's best to give it a deep soaking (rather than shallow watering) every other day, especially during dry spells.

The photo above is the flower garden where I transplanted the yarrow. I love to rearrange (transplant) perennials, striving for the perfect look and will continue rearranging in this flower garden until I get it just right. If you're a gardener, I think you will understand exactly what I mean. For more tips on transplanting and dividing perennials, please stop by my blog, Gingham Gardens. Need some help planning your flower garden - check out Flower Gardening 101. If you have any questions, be sure to ask.

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Joanna - Gingham Gardens
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