Perennial plants are the backbone of many gardens, providing year after year of beautiful blooms, lush foliage, and a dynamic landscape. However, as they grow, they can become overcrowded, lose vigour, or even stop flowering altogether. One of the best ways to keep perennials healthy and thriving is by dividing them—and spring is an excellent time to do it. Consider dividing your perennials this season and see how it can benefit both your garden and plants. Before we talk about the why’s and the how’s, let’s look at which perennials benefit the most from being divided in the spring.
- Hostas – Thrive when divided every few years to maintain size and vigour.
- Daylilies – Division encourages more abundant blooms.
- Ornamental grasses – Helps prevent overcrowding and dead centres.
- Bee balm (Monarda) – Reduces the risk of powdery mildew and promotes better air circulation.
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) – Keeps plants healthy and prevents excessive spreading.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Encourages stronger growth and more blooms.
- Sedum (Stonecrop) – Prevents legginess and promotes compact growth.
- Yarrow (Achillea) – Helps rejuvenate plants that become too woody over time.
- Phlox – Reduces overcrowding and improves bloom production.
- Shasta daisies – Promotes healthier plants and prevents die-back in the centre.
Why divide your perennials?
Encourages Healthier Plants
Over time, perennials can become crowded, leading to competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. When plants grow too closely together, their roots can become tangled, making it difficult for them to absorb what they need to flourish. Dividing perennials allows you to separate these root-bound plants, giving each new section more space to grow and access essential resources.
Revitalizes Bloom Production
If you’ve noticed that your perennials aren’t flowering as much as they used to, it could be a sign they need division. Older, congested plants often direct their energy toward root and foliage growth rather than blooms. By dividing and replanting sections of the plant, you reinvigorate its blooming potential, ensuring a more vibrant display throughout the growing season.
Prevents Disease and Pest Issues
Dense, overcrowded plantings can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases and pests to thrive. Poor air circulation and excess moisture retention make plants more susceptible to issues like powdery mildew, root rot, and insect infestations. By dividing your perennials, you improve airflow around each plant, reducing the risk of disease and pest problems.
Expands Your Garden (for Free!)
One of the best perks of dividing perennials is that you get more plants without spending a dime. When you divide an established plant, you create multiple new plants that can be used to fill gaps in your garden, start new beds, or share with friends and neighbours. It’s an economical and rewarding way to expand your garden while maintaining plant diversity.
Improves Soil Quality
Perennials that remain in the same spot for years can deplete soil nutrients, making it harder for them to thrive. Dividing plants gives you an opportunity to amend the soil with fresh compost, organic matter, or fertilizer, improving its structure and nutrient content. This added boost helps ensure your divided plants get off to a strong start.
Encourages More Manageable Growth
Some perennials, like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses, can spread beyond their space if left unchecked. Dividing these plants keeps their size manageable and prevents them from overtaking other parts of your garden. Regular division maintains a well-balanced and harmonious planting arrangement.
How to Divide Perennials in Spring
- Choose the Right Time: Ideally, divide perennials in early to mid-spring when new growth is emerging but before the plant is in full bloom.
- Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig around the plant’s root system and lift it from the soil.
- Separate the Clumps: Using a sharp knife or spade, gently divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and shoots.
- Replant Immediately: Place the divisions in their new locations with enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch to retain moisture.
- Monitor and Care: Keep newly divided plants well-watered and protected from extreme weather until they establish themselves.
Dividing Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and interest to any garden, but they can become overgrown and develop dead centres if not periodically divided. Spring is the perfect time to divide ornamental grasses before they put on significant new growth. Here’s how:
- Check for Signs of Overcrowding: If your grasses have a dead patch in the centre or appear too dense, it’s time to divide them.
- Dig Up the Clump: Use a sharp spade to lift the entire grass clump from the ground.
- Divide the Grass: Cut the clump into smaller sections using a sharp knife, shovel, or even a saw for larger, tough-rooted varieties.
- Replant Immediately: Place the divided sections in prepared soil with plenty of space to spread, water thoroughly, and mulch lightly.
- Maintain Proper Care: Keep newly divided grasses well-watered until they establish, and trim any dead foliage to encourage fresh growth.
By making perennial division a routine part of your gardening schedule, you’ll promote stronger plants, a healthier garden, and a more vibrant landscape. So grab your spade this spring and give your perennials the fresh start they deserve!
How Can We Help?
If you’re unsure about dividing your perennials or need high-quality plants, soil amendments, and expert advice, Connon Nurseries is here to assist. We offer a wide selection of perennials, ornamental grasses, and gardening supplies to help you refresh your garden with confidence. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the division process, recommend the best plants for your landscape, and ensure you have everything needed for a successful planting season. Visit Connon Nurseries to get started on a healthier, more vibrant garden today!
