Simple Steps for Dividing Overgrown Perennials


Perennials are plants that come back year after year.  You may have heard that you are supposed to divide perennials without knowing what that means for your particular plant.  I will walk you through dividing your perennials.  It isn’t hard but there are some things you need to know to do it correctly.

Signs A Perennial Needs Dividing

Perennials that need dividing how several symptoms.  The plant may have a bald spot in the center where the oldest part of the crown has died.  Some perennials have progressively smaller blooms and may stop blooming altogether until they are divided.  Some perennials can outgrow their spot in the garden.

How Often To Divide Perennials

Perennials grow by adding plant matter to the crown of the plant.  Aggressive perennials like aster may need to be divided every two to three years.  Less aggressive perennials like a black-eyed susan may need to be divided every 3-4 years.  Plants like hostas may go years before needing to be divided.

Benefits Of Dividing Perennials

Dividing perennials has several benefits.

Reinvigorating the Plant

Perennials that need division may start to decline.  The blooms, as mentioned, may get smaller and smaller or even stop altogether.  Colored bearded iris may start having only white flowers.  A thicket of perennials may start to compete so much for water, nutrients, and sunlight with itself that the plant declines.

Control Growth

Some perennials grow so large that they crowd out other plants in the area.  Mint and plants in the mint family are notorious for this.  Digging the plant up and dividing it can give the other plants a chance to continue growing.

Gives You Extra Plants

Sometimes, you want extra plants.  You may be planting a new area and want some transplants or to share them with neighbors.  You have already paid for the perennial, so dividing it will give you free plants to share.  One caution is that you are not supposed to share perennials that are patented by the developer.

Pick The Day

Perennials should not be blooming when they are divided. They need to put their energy toward root and foliage growth, not blooms.

 Pick an overcast day to divide the plants.  A sunny, hot day can dry out the roots of the perennial before you can transplant the new plants.  Pick a day when rain is forecast for the next few days to water the plant and help it recover from division.

Time Of Year

Fall blooming perennials should be divided in the spring. 

  • The new growth makes it easier to find the plant that needs dividing.
  • Smaller stems and leaves are easier to handle without harming them.
  • The stored-up energy in the root helps the plant recover and start to grow.
  • The plants will have a full growing season to recover before winter dormancy.

Divide spring and summer blooming plants in the fall.

  • It is easy to find the plants.
  • There is less gardening work in the fall.
  • Divide at least four weeks before the first frost to let the roots recover before winter.

Step By Step

  1. Water the area around the plant to be divided the day before you dig up the plant. If you are planning to transplant the new plants in your garden the same day, water that area the day before, too.
  2. Dig up the plant that you plan to divide. Use a spade or garden fork and be careful not to injure the plants as you dig it up.  Make a cut beside the plant on all four sides and then pry the plant up to protect the roots.
  3. Remove the dirt from around the roots.
  4. Divide the plant into several parts based on the type of root system as described below.
  5. Plant the new pieces. If you are not planting the new pieces immediately, wrap the roots in a wet towel and place them in the shade.  Keep them cool and moist until you plant them.

How To Divide

Perennials have several root systems. They need to be divided a little differently depending on the root system.

Spreading Root Systems

Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass and some other plants have a mass of roots that are tangled with one another.  Pull the plant roots apart, making sure each piece has four or five stems and the associated root.  You can also cut them apart.  Discard the center part if there is a hole or dead spot there.

Clumping Root Systems

Plants like daylilies and hostas with a clumping root system should be cut apart with a sharp knife.  Keep several eyes, or buds, with each piece.  If you want more plants, you can cut the pieces so they only have a single eye.  However, the plant will need to grow another season before blooming again.

Rhizomes

Divided Iris

Plants like bearded iris have a rhizome that grows at or just a little above ground level.  Cut each rhizome into sections with a single fan of leaves on them.  Cut the fan of leaves back by half so the smaller rhizomes can support them.  If you find a part of the rhizome has insect damage or cuts, discard that part.  Plant rhizome pieces so the top of the rhizome is just visible above the soil.

After Care

Plant the new pieces as soon as possible so they stay in good shape.  Water the plants after transplanting them.  Do not fertilize the plants the first year so they do not put out more foliage than the roots can keep hydrated and fed.

Do Not Divide

Perennials with long tap roots, such as butterfly weed, do not divide well.  You should put them in a place that is large enough for them to live out their lives at their mature size.

We Can Help

If you are not sure when to divide your plants, the trained staff at TN Nursery can tell you what the recommendations are for that plant.  Give us a call at 931.692.7325.

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant.  Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta) Is A Long-Blooming Perennial  The Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  The Black Eyed Susan is valued for ornamental purposes and its contribution to the maintenance of ecosystems. Moreover, black-eyed susan plants for sale have stunning flowers that can be added to your garden for curb appeal. Features of Black Eyed Susan Plant The Black-Eyed Susan has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, which makes it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden.  This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. The black-eyed susan plant is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden. Black Eyed Susans Are Excellent Pollinator Plants It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. It has a growth habit of 2 to 3 feet tall with a similar width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. This plant does not need much attention once established and usually grows well. It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of black-eyed susan plants can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Black Eyed Susan Perennials Returns Every Spring and Summer Season Buy black-eyed susan plants and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants. Where Does Black Eyed Susan Grow Best  Black-eyed Susans do well in regions of full exposure to the sun. Ensure they are exposed to a minimum of six hours of sunshine every day. They like well-draining soils and will grow in a range of soil types.  What Do Black Eyed Susans Symbolize  Black-eyed Susans symbolize encouragement, motivation, and justice. Their bright yellow color with a black center is linked with positivism and strength, perfect when integrated into any garden.  What Is The Best Fertilizer To Grow Black Eyed Susans Black-eyed Susans prefer a slow-release fertilizer, preferably a 10-10-10 N-P-K ration. Use it sparingly as they grow because these plants are not heavy feeders.  How Tall Do Black Eyed Susans Get  They are perennials that range in height between 1 to 3 feet, depending on their type. They provide great accents to borders and garden landscapes.  How Long Does It Take To Grow Black Eyed Susan  Black-eyed Susans can take from 60 to 90 days to bloom after germination from seeds. The plants come back year after year, blooming mid to late summer and continuing well into early fall.

6 Pack - Pampas Grass Plugs - TN Nursery

6 Pack - Pampas Grass Plugs

Pampas Grass is a famous ornamental sedge known for its stunning appearance and versatility in landscaping. When planted as plugs, these young plants bring a range of attributes that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any landscape. We will explore the essential qualities of these plants and their benefits in landscaping. While pampas grass is native to South America, its appeal has made it a popular addition to yards worldwide. Fast-growing plants are a type of perennial that continues to offer notable benefits and properties over its long lifespan. Why should you consider planting it on your property? It is also known as Cortaderia selloana, an ornamental plant with distinctive, appealing aesthetics. The plugs increase and can reach a height of 12 feet. The vibrant hue of the lush, green stalks is brought to life with the wispy blooms at the top of the plant. The flowering stems may be a foot or more taller than the blades, creating a stunning, dual-tone look. At the end of the growing season, the cut stalks can be used as a decorative element in the home. Pampas Grass Is a Classic Native Perennial Despite the plant's grand height and dense, bushy base, it has a soft look thanks to its mesmerizing flowers. The flower stalks vary between shades of white, silver, and yellow. From afar, they have an almost fluffy look that will add a unique visual element to your space. These flowers may conceal a fenced perimeter for a more natural look in your yard or create a natural barrier around the perimeter of a property. Pampas Grass Has Protective Qualities While many people plant it for its beauty, it also has practical benefits. In some areas, it has been used to minimize erosion. Because of this, it may be incredibly functional in yards with a steep grade or prone to the damaging effects of erosion. Pampas Grass Makes A Superior Ground Cover Pampas Grass is easy to grow and spreads rapidly compared to some other types of plants. These plugs deserve serious consideration in areas that are relatively bare in a yard or lack a distinguishing feature as a point of interest. They can cover horizontal space and fill out for an established look quickly. Create A Unique Focal Point With Pamapa Grass

hosta plant - TN Nursery

Hosta

Hostas are shade-loving perennials known for their large, heart-shaped, and often variegated leaves and spikes of bell-shaped flowers, making them popular choices for garden borders and landscaping in low-light areas. They are renowned for their lush foliage and graceful appearance, which offer many benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. These versatile perennials have gained popularity for their ability to enhance outdoor spaces with their aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and ease of maintenance. Hosta is an attractive herbaceous plant that can grow up to 4 feet in height, although a height of 18 inches is more common. There are several species of them, each with slight differences in leaf color. Each species has a different bloom, making exceptional focal points in any garden. Hosta (Plantain lilies) Has Stunning Leaves The type seen most commonly in the United States is the "Keepsake." The charming green leaves ringed with yellow accents are popular because of their hardiness in different climates and the beautiful vistas they create in a garden. Sometimes, the lighter color rings are shades of white rather than yellow, but they don't lose any eye-catching effects. They have leaves of a single color, usually dark green. All their leaves are sturdy and ribbed, even if they're longer and tapered rather than cheerfully oval. Compliment Your Landscape With Hostas Most versions have pretty purple or white flowers that bloom in the early summer through the beginning of fall. The flower buds form in the middle of spring and are generally the same color as the flowers. Even when they're just budding, they are beautiful plants that complement everything else in the garden. Once the buds bloom, the flowers form trumpet, bell, or elongated pendulous shapes. Only one version of these flowers has a strong scent, called the "August Lily." It's a shy flower, blooming in the evening and closing up again by morning, so it'll brighten up any garden when the sun goes down. Hosta Does Great With Other Plants When they are surrounded by flowers of similar colors, such as California bluebells for the species with violet flowers or tuberose for the white-flowered species, it creates a breathtaking effect. Alternating the various species in concentric rings would increase their appeal and let them truly shine. This Hosta Is Good for Pollinators Hosta blooms, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, are essential for pollinators. The flowers provide nectar, and the leaves collect dew in the mornings, allowing these little creatures to drink while visiting the garden. What conditions do hostas thrive in? These plants grow in partial shade or full shade, hence suitable for gardens that may offer limited sunlight. Hostas grow well in well-draining and nutrient-filled soils and should be watered consistently, especially during dry periods.  How do I care for hostas in winter?  Hostas are perennials and go dormant in winter. Prune dead foliage in the fall and then put a layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing.  Do hostas come in different sizes and colors?  Hostas come in all sorts of sizes, from small miniatures to large sprawling plants. Their foliage comprises beautiful green, blue and gold that may have different patterns.  How can I keep slugs and pests away from my hostas?  Snails or slugs are common enemies for the hostas. You can use eggshells or diatomaceous earth around the base. You can also reduce pest problems by maintaining a clean environment and ensuring good air circulation in the garden.  Can hostas be grown in containers?  Hostas are perfect for container gardening and, therefore, can be placed on the patio or in other small spaces. It is advisable to plant the flower in a pot with a good drainage hole; water it frequently and place it in a shaded area.

Siberian Iris - TN Nursery

Siberian Iris

Siberian Iris is a hardy purple and white blooming perennial plant known for its elegant, slender, and vibrant flowers. It is a popular choice for garden borders and water features. It is a versatile and captivating addition to landscaping projects, offering many benefits beyond any potential herbal uses. This perennial flowering plant brings aesthetic and functional advantages to outdoor spaces, making it a popular choice among landscape designers. The Siberian iris, also known as the iris sibirica and the Siberia flag, is a stunning addition to your flower garden. These memorable plants are recognized for their coloring and pleasant smell, which can be compared to that of violets and freesias. Incorporating them into your landscaping comes with several impressive benefits related to their beauty, significance, and functionality in and out of the home. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) Has Gorgeous Flowers This easy-to-grow plant features long, bluish-green leaves along with bluish-purple flowers. The flowers have long, draping petals that perfectly contrast the slender, pointed leaves. The inner portion of the petals is fascinating, with a combination of yellow, white, and brown elements arranged in a lovely pattern. Numerous blooms grow on each plant seasonally, adding a vibrant, eye-catching hue to enjoy in your garden throughout spring. Siberian Iris Offers Home Decor They are also the perfect addition to your home decor. Their healthy, strong stems make them ideal for cutting at the bud stage through the flowering stage and adding to a tall vase. Their smooth fragrance and lovely coloring add a unique charm to your home and are perfect for use as a seasonal focal point. Siberian Iris Is Notable in Culture Siberian Iris is named after the rainbow goddess in Greek mythology, which is an apt name given its vivid and fascinating petals. For centuries, royalty have used them to symbolize their families' significance in countries worldwide. In addition, the French fleur-do-lis symbol is derived from this flower. Because of these cultural significances, they add a regal touch to your yard. While many species have distinctive characteristics you can add to your landscaping; this species stands out with its unique coloring and other traits. The plant grows in clumps that stand up to two feet tall at maturity and can grow up to 20 flowers per plant. Because of their characteristics, the plants make a great addition as a property line division and a flower garden border. What makes the Siberian Iris a great addition to my garden  Siberian Iris is slender-leaved and has beautiful colored flowers - purple, blue, yellow, and white. It adapts to different climates, which adds a touch of sophistication to the garden without needing much maintenance.  How do I care for a Siberian Iris plant?  Siberian Irises are easy to care for and grow in well drained soil and in part shade to full sun. Water the Siberian Iris plant during dry periods to keep it healthy and ensure it blooms year after year.  Is the Siberian Iris resistant to pests and diseases  Siberian iris is resistant to pests and diseases making it a very reliable plant for a gardener. It beautifies the garden while requiring only minimal care.  Can the Siberian Iris grow in wet areas?  Siberian Irises prefer freely drained soils but can also tolerate wet locations like near the pond or the rain gardens. For this reason, they are commonly used in landscaping.  Does the Siberian Iris attract wildlife to the garden  The Siberian Iris brings in beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, increasing the bio-diversity in your garden.

Butterfly Milkweed - TN Nursery

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that attracts many butterflies and pollinators. It's the #1 perennial used in pollinator gardens and our best-selling plant at TN Nursery. The Asclepias Tuberosa (Latin) is superior to most other plants due to its attractive winged beauty and resilient nature with low maintenance care.  Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Plant Attracts Monarchs  With nectar-rich blooms of deep orange, this plant is drought tolerant and native to the southeastern United States. It grows natively in some areas in dry sandy soils and is a Monarch's favorite rich nectar-filled plant from which to feast.   Butterfly Weed Is The #1 Staple In Butterfly Gardens Butterfly Weed was used in sanctuaries and gardens for over half a decade but is almost extinct. Perennial gardens are very popular with homeowners. Native plant varieties are hardy, pest—and disease-resistant, making them very popular. Butterfly Weed Is Pest and Disease Resistant Looking for plants that live for decades, reseed themselves, and never have to be taken up for harsh winter weather? Opt for native plants and perennials. TN Nursery has a massive selection of over 345 native plants in stock and is ready to ship to your door. We are a family-owned and operated nursery located in the heart of the nursery capital near McMinnville, Tennessee. Shop For Butterfly Weed At TN Nursery Today

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