How to Divide Perennial Plants

How to divide perennials

Dig up the parent plant using a spade or fork.
Gently lift the plant out of the ground and remove any loose dirt around the roots.
Separate the plant into smaller divisions by any of these methods: ...
Each division should have three to five vigorous shoots and a healthy supply of roots.

Can you divide all perennials?
What perennials should be divided?
Can you split a plant in half?
What is the best time to divide perennials?
Can you divide hydrangea plants?
How do you divide perennial geraniums?
How do you divide Bulbine plants?
How do you divide Gaillardia?
Can I divide perennial lobelia?
How do you separate and repot a plant?
When should you split plants?

Can you divide all perennials?

When to Divide Your Perennials

While you can divide most perennials any time from spring to fall, those two seasons are best. This is because dividing your perennials can be stressful on the plants—and they'll recover better from the shock in cool, moist conditions.

What perennials should be divided?

A general rule of thumb is to divide perennials after they flower. Tackle spring-blooming perennials in fall and fall bloomers in spring. Some perennials, like iris and peony, are best divided in early fall. Most ornamental grasses do best when divided in early spring.

Can you split a plant in half?

Dividing plants is easy. Simply dig up the entire clump and then carefully divide the crown and root ball into two or more section, depending on the size of the clump. ... Once you have divided plants, shake off the excess soil and remove any dead growth. You might want to cut the plants back prior to replanting too.

What is the best time to divide perennials?

Early spring through early summer is a great time to divide most perennials. This allows the transplants to establish their roots long before the following winter's frosts. Early fall is another great time to divide perennials, especially peonies.

Can you divide hydrangea plants?

If you don't see any shoots or are getting pieces without roots, entire hydrangea plants can be dug and split into two or more pieces. ... The best time to divide bigleaf hydrangeas is very early spring, just as new green buds are starting to swell and open along the stems.

How do you divide perennial geraniums?

Divide the geraniums in the early spring to early summer, giving the plant time to establish its roots before a frost. To divide the plant, dig it up and shake the soil off the roots. Use a trowel or a knife to separate, making sure that each division has a root section and leaves.

How do you divide Bulbine plants?

If a mature bulbine flower clump's center starts to flop over, it is time to divide the plant. Dig up the plant cluster including the roots and pull the clump apart into individual plants. The best time to divide and replant this succulent is right before the rainy season starts.

How do you divide Gaillardia?

Propagate it by division for true-to-form offspring.

Divide perennial blanket flower in the spring. ...
Select a new site for your transplants. ...
Water your blanket flower well 24 to 48 hours before dividing it.
Moisten a sheet of peat moss and place it in the pail. ...
Lift the blanket flower carefully.

Can I divide perennial lobelia?

Simply put, a single large plant can usually be divided into several smaller plants. ... The process is the same if the plant is in the ground, you just have to dig it up first. I removed the lobelia from the pot. Depending on the size of the plant or clump, different implements can be used to perform the operation.

How do you separate and repot a plant?

Once your plant its out of its old pot, place the houseplant on a secure surface and use your fingers to loosen the root ball. Then, take a a sharp knife and cut the plant into sections. Make sure each section has a healthy section of roots and a few leaves. Replant divisions as soon as possible in fresh potting mix.

When should you split plants?

Plants should be divided when they're dormant, in late autumn or early spring. Fleshy-rooted perennials, such as paeonies, should be left until the end of their dormant season in late spring, before being divided.