Most perennials only remain vital and floriferous if they are divided regularly. But what do you have to consider? And how do you go about it? This article clarifies these and other important questions on the subject.

Division is a fairly simple propagation method

Good reasons for dividing perennials

Many perennials naturally lose their willingness to flower over the years. In addition, the center of the plants can gradually become bare. Then it's time to divide the affected perennials to rejuvenate them.

As a result of this measure, the plants will bloom again and remain vigorous.

A great side effect: Sharing gives you numerous new perennials that you can plant yourself or give as gifts, depending on your needs and desires.

The right time to divide perennials

As a rule, the spring months are the ideal period for dividing perennials. However, there are also exceptions.

Rules of thumb:

  • Divide summer and fall flowering perennials in early spring.
  • Divide spring and early summer flowering bulbs (faded before St. John's Day) immediately after flowering.

After how many years divide perennials?

Remember, you don't have to rejuvenate your perennials every year. Ultimately, growth pattern and lifespan will determine when (for the first time) and how often each plant will need a division. Here are specific examples as a guide:

  • Short-lived perennials wither quickly. Therefore, you should divide them about every two to three years. This group includes feather carnations and horned violets.
  • Species such as purple bells, early summer asters or burning love want to be divided every four years.
  • Long-lived perennials only unfold their full splendor over time. Leave them alone - they may resent frequent sharing. Members of the group are Peony, Bearded Iris, Larkspur and Bleeding Heart.

Divide perennials - this is how it works

  1. Poke the digging fork or spade into the ground around the rootstock.
  2. Move the device back and forth several times. How to loosen the root ball. Work carefully so as not to damage the bale.
  3. Shake off the rhizome briefly or spray it with a jet of water. This makes it easier to divide the respective perennial.
  4. Divide the plant into two or more sections that are about the size of a fist and have a few leaves or buds. You can pull some perennials apart with your bare hands; for others you will need a sharp knife or even a spade with a sharp blade (for perennials with compact roots).

Note: Small sections generally sprout more vigorously and grow into robust plants more quickly.

What you need to know about sharing

  • Remove diseased and dried root parts.
  • Remove the woody middle, chop it up and dispose of it in the compost.
  • Recut unclean separation points with a sharp knife.
  • Plant(s) in a new spot immediately after dividing.

These perennials cannot be divided

There are also perennials that are difficult or impossible to divide:

  • Species that do not have rooted lone shoots (e.g. lavender and borage aster)
  • Species that form a deep-reaching taproot (e.g. pasqueflower and giant gypsophila)

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Herbs