It’s that time of year again for gardeners to take advantage of free plants! This season is ideal for dividing perennials, which are plants that return each year. Unlike annuals, trees, or shrubs, many perennials can be separated and replanted at little to no cost. While these plants can retail for $25 to $40 at garden centers, dividing them allows you to expand your garden without spending a dime.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting, gather some essential tools:
- A straight spade
- A hori hori knife (a Japanese gardening tool)
- A rooting hormone or biostimulant
- A watering can
- Well-aged compost for backfilling
The division process involves selecting a healthy perennial, ensuring it can be divided, and planning where to replant the new sections. It’s crucial to complete this task in one day, as plants do not fare well when left out of the ground for too long. Ideal conditions for this work are on cloudy days or when rain is expected soon, allowing the plants to establish roots before frost arrives.
Dividing Common Perennials
Iris: These should be divided when the clumps become sparse or stop blooming. Cut a section of the rhizome to about 4 to 5 inches, ensuring it has two or more fans of foliage. Trim the foliage to about 3 inches and replant the rhizome with a third above the soil. Proper planting depth is critical for blooming.
Peonies: Similar to iris, peonies should be divided when they show signs of thinning. Cut the foliage down to 1 inch and use a fork to gently dig up the roots. Look for sections with three to five bud eyes, ensuring they are planted with the eyes facing up.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These can be divided at any point during the growing season, but now is optimal. Cut the foliage down to 3 to 5 inches, then dig up the clump and make four cuts to separate it. Replant at the same depth and water regularly.
Astilbes: These can be more labor-intensive. Remove most of the stems and flower stalks before digging up square sections. Space the divisions 8 to 12 inches apart when replanting.
Geum: Unlike other perennials, Geum does not require regular division, but it’s a good way to expand your garden. Trim the foliage and cut the clump into sections, ensuring each division has roots and some foliage.
Primulas: These can be divided now or in spring. They often have offsets that can be easily dug up. Transplant immediately into similar soil and water thoroughly.
Final Tips
Label your divisions if you know the variety, and consider sharing excess plants with friends. Remember to water the newly planted divisions regularly, especially if there’s no rain for several days.
Next week, more easy-to-divide perennials will be covered, so get ready to enhance your garden with these free plants!