Plant Division - By Plant Type
Learn how do divide Shrubs, Perennials, Bulbs and more.
Since there are so many different types of plants and there are just as many ways to divide them, I though I should create this page to give you more specifics on plant type. For a general overview of dividing perennials visit the page Dividing Perennials.
The different types of Plants or Roots types I am speaking of are:
- Shallow Rooted Plants
-
Carrot-like Roots
- Shrubs
- Solid Clump Roots
- Summer Dormancy Plants
- Spring Bulbs and Summer and Fall Bulbs.
That's quite a list! Let's see what we can clarify here.
Plant Division - Dividing Hosta
These can be perennials such as the Primrose. This is perhaps the easiest type of perennial to divide.
Just dig the clump up with a shovel or a garden digging fork. Carefully rip the divisions apart into sections for your divisions, being careful not to injure the root structure.
Perennials that fall into this classification would be Lupines and Gas Plant.
In early spring carefully dig the entire plant with a garden digging fork. Clean off the roof structure and cut apart each section with a sharp knife. Make sure that each division you cut has healthy roots and sprouts.
Quickly re-plant the divisions, and do not let them dry out. Make sure the roots are planted straight and are not bent-over in the planting hole.
Plant Division - Groundcover's
Groundcover's and trailing plants are very forgiving when it comes to division. Plants like Moss Pink, Sweet Woodruff, Ajuga and Pachysandra all fall into this category.
They can be dug up most anytime of the growing season. When you divide them, make sure there is healthy growth both on top and a good healthy bundle of roots as well.
To get the plants started out with as little stress as possible, especially in the hot summer months, cut off about 1/3 of the growth prior to or just after re-planting.
Division of most shrubs if best done in early spring, before any spring growth has started.
Shrubs such as Lilacs, Spireas and Roses fall into this category.
Split-off a well-rooting off-shoot from the perimeter of the plant or dig up the entire plant and split apart with a hatchet, sharp saw or a pruning shears.
Make sure you have a healthy amount of roots on each division and the shoots are in good shape. Prune out dead growth, unhealthy shoots and trim the entire division to about 2/3's it original height.
These plants will go though a great deal more shock than the perennials so be sure to stay on top of the watering and fertilization requirements.
Plant Division - Dividing Daylilies
Plant Division - Plant Type: Summer Dormant Plants
There are a few perennials that bloom, become dormant and then bloom again. The Shasta Daisy is an example of this behavior.
The best time to divide this type of plant is after the first bloom, when the flowers have wilted.
Dig up the plant with a garden digging fork, split the division as you would other perennials and cut off the wilted growth just as the new growth starts.
Plants that fall into this category would be Daylilies, Hosta, Peonies, Phlox, Bleeding Hearts and many, many more.
One method that I often use to get between 2 and 4 plants off the parent plant is to use a straight, sharp garden space and place the space near the outside of the clump. Be sure to include some health growth in the division you will be slicing through.
Holding the blade of the space directly vertical, apply force to cut down through the clump. You can then dig out this slice for replanting.
Do this 1 or 2 or even on a large clump, 3 more times. This will leave the parent plant rooted in place and with minimal shock.
Do this only with healthy looking, large clump plants. If you suspect the plant is less than healthy, it is better to dig up the entire clump and divide it outside the hole.
Plant Division - Dividing Spring Bulbs
Spring bulbs are some of the easiest to just leave in place and let them do their "thing" every spring.
You may notice thought that the greens become thicker and thicker but the blooms grow smaller and fewer of them. This means it is time for division of your spring bulbs.
The best time for division of all spring bulbs is after the flowers have died and the foliage begins to wilt and turn brown.
Complete dig all the bulbs. Separate the mature bulbs, from the smaller bulbs and replant them. They will be rejuvenated for next year's bloom.
If you wish you can take the small bulbs and plant them as well, in prepared seed beds. You should leave them there for a couple of years so they become strong and healthy. By this time they should be of blooming size and ready to go into the bulb garden.
Bulbs that fall into the Summer to Fall Blooming category include Lilies, Autumn Crocuses, Gladioli, Dahlias and Tuberous Begonias.
Divide tender summer blooming bulbs such as Tuberous Begonias, Gladioli, and Dahlias in the spring.
The Gladiolus corms have to be peeled to remove the papery covering. Remove the old corm from the bottom. Take the small corms and plant is a seed bed as you would the spring bulbs above.
Dahlia tubers should be divided where they join, Just make sure you have a least one bud or eye on each tuber.
Once divided, never let the division out in the sun or wind. Plant them immediately or heal them in a temporary spot with moist aerated soil.
Don't make divisions too small. Smaller plants require more care and you will loose more if them if not careful.
If you want a large number of plants consider a remote location, where you can give them special attention for a year.
Leave 2-4 buds on perennial crowns as a general rule.
Keep division well -watered until established. Do not let them dry out. That will stress them and weaken them considerably.
