Why divide perennials?
Experienced gardeners divide perennials, whether they learned from another person or through trial and error. Unchecked, most perennials thrive and spread double or triple their size annually until they shrink, distress, and produce less display from overgrowth. Root-bound perennials require rejuvenation, and dividing them supports plant health, allowing them to thrive. New plant groups multiply and develop clumps with green leaves and multicolored blossoms. Separating and spacing perennials within garden restrictions create natural boundaries around the perimeters. Dividing perennials allows gardeners to manage their spread and spacing while maintaining a beautiful landscape.
Perennial division indicators
Perennials indicate when they require division, and experienced gardeners know when to divide an aged perennial. Most perennials bloom every three to five years, while others every two to three years. Some species go 10 years without being split because they prefer to be left alone. Therefore, it’s important to consult a perennial guide to see which plants may be divided annually. Then, seek guidance from our professional landscaping company in Bristol with perennial expertise.
When to divide perennials:
- Vigorous, uncontrolled growth is a perennial’s major division signal. Healthy perennials may overrun their space, and overcrowded perennials stress and decline in health.
- Neighboring plants that resist growth is another sign a perennial needs containment. These neighbors will display alarm and tattle that the invading perennial needs division.
- Leaf and blossom production are shock signs. Overcrowded perennials diminish their foliage and blossoms when space restricts their growth. Fortunately, perennials may be divided to reverse shock.
- Dying plant centers are obvious. At its core, the plant is weak and needs to be separated.
- Stressed perennials have weak or missing bottom foliage. Overcrowding causes scant, light-colored bottom leaves, and is a sign the plant needs to be divided and replanted in bigger areas to continue growing.
Five steps to divide perennials
Like any technique, splitting perennials works best in sequence and without hesitation
- Preparation makes dividing perennials simpler. First, schedule your perennial splitting activities on chilly, overcast days, in spring or autumn since the midday heat kills the roots. Before digging, water the mother plant. Then, act quickly because exposed roots inhibit growth.
- Watch the parent plant’s drip line along the canopy’s edge. Here, delicate roots grow, so begin by undermining the plant’s drip line. Small plants may need a hand trowel, while large perennials require a spade or garden fork. Place the entire plant in a tray or on a tarp to collect dirt.
- Separating the mother plant depends on the root kind. In some cases, you may rip or pull apart the root ball, while others need shears or a knife. Shake off extra dirt or hose it down to expose the roots for disease and pest inspection.
- Planning ensures the perennial’s new site is ready. Fertilizer and rooting hormones should be in moist organic soil. A new bed should be double the perennial’s diameter because it lets roots grow and take hold rapidly. Always plant divisions on a mound so that roots grow downward.
- Newly transplanted and split perennials are delicate for a few weeks. Water is essential as you should never let perennial roots dry during division, particularly while they’re establishing new roots. But don’t overwater them either since this makes them lethargic. Established perennials are more growth resistant than new transplants.
Landscape experts in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Perennials are a fantastic addition to any garden space. However, they can also quickly take over your landscape scheme and prevent the growth of nearby plants when they grow too large. If you have questions about perennials or need help dividing yours, please contact our Johnson City landscape pros at Promier Landscapes. Please call us at (423) 872-2988 or contact us online to request information or assistance today.