Unfortunately, there are only certain perennial plants that can be divided and turned into new plants for the next growing season. That said, which perennials are the best candidates for division?
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Keep reading for nine perennials you should divide in late summer, as well as Velez and Scanlon's best advice for growing perennials!
Dividing perennials simply involves splitting a single plant to create multiple plants. Many gardeners employ this easy trick to essentially give themselves free plants for next year.
Why Should You Divide Perennials?
"Dividing perennial plants in general is a good way to maintain the health of the plants," Velez tells Parade. "Many perennials develop woody centers and that can reduce their production over time. In other cases too many bulbs or rhizomes leads to overcrowding that competes for resources. Removing some of the plants to a new location helps increase the airflow in the original location."
"If employed correctly, you will not have to buy flowers much at all," Scanlon adds. He also notes that you'll also "spend much less time on upkeep, since perennials are quite hardy."
The Perennials You Should Divide in Late Summer for Free Plants Next Year
1. Purple coneflower
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"They're a native beauty that if given ANY soil, they can probably survive," he says. "I've planted them directly into clay before, and they're doing well!"
2. Irises
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"Overcrowding can cause them to stop blooming all together," she adds. "This should be done in the late summer, about 6 weeks after they’ve flowered, so the rhizomes have time to establish themselves in their new location. Dividing in fall allows them to rebuild their energy stores to be able to bloom in the spring."
3. Peonies
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That said, you should "wait as late into summer or early fall for this one as you can, after they’ve finished blooming but before the first frost," according to Velez.
"Be sure to trim back the stems to about 2-3 inches above the ground before dividing to reduce the stress on the plant," she advises.
4. Daylilies
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"Daylilies often bloom later and longer in some regions than irises but once that bloom is spent, it’s time to divide," explains Velez. "This should be done every four to six years to avoid overcrowding and nutrient deficiencies. Dividing too late in the season, however, can damage both the original stand and the divisions, so be sure to do this well before the threat of frost."
5. Lamb's-ear
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"These can be planted literally in mulch and will take," he says. "Be careful though, because they require considerable upkeep just to keep in check after a few years."
6. Lily of the valley
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"Infamous in Breaking Bad, the lily of the valley spreads maniacally wherever you put it," says Scanlon. He adds that this flower thrives in the shade and "will multiply exponentially if you forget about it," thanks to its connected roots.
7. Hostas
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"The later in summer the better, since the overnights begin getting cooler which helps cool the soil and allows the plant to focus on that root regeneration without the stress of heat," she explains. "And since they’ll be at the end of their growing period they will require less water and fewer nutrients."
That said, hostas "can be grown for many years without division and thrive, but if you want new plants from your existing plants you can divide once the plants are mature." Maturation usually occurs after three to five years for smaller varieties of hostas.
8. Yarrow
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"If you live in a warmer climate, yarrow will benefit from a late summer division," says Velez. "If you live in a more moderate climate, you can either wait until they’ve finished blooming for the year and divide then, cut the blooms and divide earlier, or wait until spring. But in hot climates late summer is best, generally every two to three years."
9. Strawberries
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According to Velez, dividing perennials is a pretty straightforward process for most plants. Here's how she recommends doing it:
"Be sure to water the plant thoroughly a day or two before you plan to divide or time your division for a day or two after a good soaking rainfall.""Use a spade or garden fork to gently lift the plant from the soil, whether that’s roots or rhizomes, keeping it as intact as possible.""Once you’ve lifted the root ball, gently pull apart the roots by hand. If you’re dividing clumps of fleshy roots ... gently break apart the clumps with your hands or carefully cut them apart with a spade or a sharp knife.""Immediately replant the divisions into their new home, keeping them at the same depth in the soil as they originated, and water them in.""Keep your new divisions well-watered, especially in late summer when the temperatures can still be quite warm, until the plants have gotten established."More Tips for Dividing Perennials
She also suggests adding compost to the hole for your new planting and then topping it off with mulch, as this can help "keep the soil cool and moist while the plant is getting established."
Related: Fertilizing These 9 Plants in Summer Can Do More Harm Than Good—These 5 Still Need It
"Perennials grow deep roots, and just pulling them by the stem out of the ground usually won't be the safest route," he explains. "Dig deep at a 45 degree angle toward a point that's 6-12 inches under the mother plant, and crank it backwards. This will loosen enough roots on the edge that you're harvesting, and not displace the plant you're keeping in place too much."
Furthermore, he recommends starting "the plant off right by loosening up the soil around the new location" and making sure to water it properly.
Related: The One Mistake That's Causing Your Basil to Flower Too Early, According to Gardeners
Sources:
Karin Velez, founder of the gardening podcast Just Grow Something.Ryan Scanlon, Growth Consultant at Dirt Works Excavation Inc.Hence then, the article about gardeners say you re missing the best time to divide these 9 perennials was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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