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in Fall· Garden· Spring· Tips and Tutorials

How to Determine the Best Time for Dividing Perennials

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Do you often wonder whether you should be splitting and transplanting your perennials in the fall or the spring? I’ve created a guide that includes some of the more common plants below, with the best times for dividing perennials, and how to do so.

Asters and perennials to divide

Timing is Key When Dividing Your Garden Perennials

Timing and technique are so important when it comes time to divide perennials.

Many perennials can be divided in either early spring or early fall, but some plants can be very sensitive to when they should be split.

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I’m a self-taught hobby gardener, not a Master Gardener. Everything I share with you on my blog is my personal opinion and things that worked for me along the way.

Fall perennials to divide

Reasons to Divide Your Perennials…

  • Keeps the plant healthy by giving the plant more space for the roots to grow, and absorb nutrients and water.
  • Increases the number of flowering blooms.
  • Manages the size of the plant and keeps it from overcrowding others in the garden.
  • Keeps the plant from dying out in the middle and leaving a bare hole by dividing it every 3-4 years.
  • Creates more plants for future plantings in your garden and to share with others.

I’ve listed some of the most common garden perennials, and the most optimal times to divide them using the best methods for each.

hellebore perennial to divide

Perennials to Divide by Hand

Plant
Season Instruction
Bleeding hearts SpringDivide after the plant flowers
Dianthus
 
Spring, SummerMat-forming types root as they grow; cut a rooted piece from the edge and replant
Hellebore
SpringDivide when plants are in bloom, or right after they stop flowering
Lady’s mantle
Spring, FallEasier to divide in early spring when you start to see the leaves emerge
Lamb’s ear
Spring, Summer, FallRoots are along the stem; cut a piece off the edge and replant; cut leaves back by half
Primroses SpringTransplant after the plant has finished blooming
Salvia
Spring, FallDivide every 5-6 years or when the plant dies out in the center; divide in the spring in cold and winter climates.
Yarrow
Spring, SummerEasy to divide; most types spread quickly and should be divided every 2-3 years
autumn sedum joy perennial

Perennials to Divide With a Spade or Pitchfork

Plant
SeasonInstruction
Anemone SpringDivision is rarely needed, perhaps once every 8-10 years
Asters
 
SpringDividing in spring allows the new plants time to establish before the end of summer
Bee balm
Spring Divide every 2-3 years in the early spring
Black-eyed Susan
 
Spring, FallDivide in either spring or fall
Catmint
Spring, FallDivide every 3-4 years in either spring or early fall
Coneflower
Spring, Summer, FallDivide every 4-5 years for healthier plants; reseeds and seedlings are easy to transplant
Daylily
Spring, Summer, FallDivide every 5-7 years; it’s better to lift rebloomers in spring before they flower
Garden mum
SpringDivide every 2-3 years to keep plants blooming and vigorous; discard dead central portion
Phlox
Spring, Summer, FallDivide every 3 years or when flowering diminishes; discard the woody center and plant the edge pieces
Goldenrod
 
Spring, FallDivide every 3-5 years to keep plants vigorous
Hostas
Spring, Summer, FallEasy to divide in early spring when foliage is emerging;
Sedum Autumn Joy
 
Spring, Summer, FallEasiest to divide in spring when foliage is still small; dividing clumps later won’t harm the plant but may reduce bloom for the year
Shasta daisy
Spring, Summer, FallEasiest to divide in spring when foliage is still small
Yarrow
 
Spring, SummerEasy to divide; most types spread quickly so divide every 2-3 years
dividing day lillies

Cut Up Rhizomes and Tubers With a Knife

Plant  
SeasonInstruction
Calla lily SpringMost gardeners prefer to divide calla lilies in spring, especially in warm climates where you can leave the rhizome in the ground year round.
Dahlias SpringIn warmer climates where the tubers remain in the ground, you can dig up, divide, and replant the tubers in early spring. If you are overwintering tubers, you can divide in the fall.
Irises
FallUsing a knife or hands, break the rhizomes apart in groups of 1-3. Cut the foliage down by half with pruners.
Lily-of-the-valley
Spring, Summer, FallRhizomes pull apart easily; make sure each new division has a leaf and a cluster of roots
 cottage garden perennials

I hope this gives you a better idea as to when the best time for dividing your perennials is, but how the plant should be divided.

It’s so important to divide your plants to keep them healthy and increase the number of blooms. It also helps to keep your garden from overcrowding.

purple aster perennials to divide

And my favorite reason for dividing perennials? They are the gift that keeps on giving year after year. I rarely have to go to the nursery and buy new perennials because I am constantly transplanting new plants throughout the garden.

Learn more about preparing your garden for winter.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Until next time,

Happy gardening!


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The Best Time for Dividing Perennials

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How to Divide Dahlia Tubers in the Spring


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Comments

  1. Chas - Chas' Crazy Creations says

    10/24/2021 at 6:21 am

    I don’t have many perennials, just some lavendar. Do I need to divide that as well?

    Reply
  2. Kim says

    11/04/2020 at 3:36 pm

    I used to feel the same way Juliet. But I have to say, it is so much easier than it looks. You can do it!

    Reply

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  1. Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 52 - Stacy Ling says:
    07/03/2022 at 2:21 pm

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Hi! I'm Kim. Welcome to my home & garden blog, Shiplap and Shells. We live in a small 1920 beach cottage in the Pacific Northwest and have spent the last 10 years renovating, reinventing, and adding character to our forever home. Read More…

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