As soon as you can work in the soil is the time to divide perennials, ensuring healthier growth and better blooms.
Dividing perennials is a best practice in the garden because it allows the plants to continue to grow and thrive.
Dividing improves the health of the foliage and can increase the number of blooms, and it keeps the plants more disease resistant and extends their overall growing life.
Signs that a perennial needs dividing:
Thanks go to GardenGate Magazine for this handy chart that tells us when and how to divide the most popular perennials. This one's a keeper!
Get the Chart here.
Dividing improves the health of the foliage and can increase the number of blooms, and it keeps the plants more disease resistant and extends their overall growing life.
Signs that a perennial needs dividing:
- Decreased Blooming – If a perennial produces fewer or smaller flowers than usual, it may be overcrowded and in need of division.
- Dead or Hollow Center – When the middle of the plant looks bare or dies out and growth is only on the edges, it’s a sign the plant is too dense.
- Overcrowding & Weak Growth – If the plant spreads too much or nearby plants are being overtaken, it’s time to divide.
- Floppy or Leggy Stems – Weak, stretched-out stems that flop over often indicate the plant is struggling for nutrients and space.
- Slower Growth & Decline in Health – If the plant isn’t as lush or vigorous as in previous years, its roots may be competing for nutrients.
- Rootbound Conditions – If roots become tightly packed in the soil or circle around in a pot, the plant needs more room to grow.
- Water Stress – If the plant dries out quickly despite regular watering, overcrowded roots may be preventing water absorption.
Thanks go to GardenGate Magazine for this handy chart that tells us when and how to divide the most popular perennials. This one's a keeper!
Get the Chart here.
Perennials that don't like being divided include Peonies, Baptisia, Monkshood, Bleeding Heart, and Butterfly Weed.