AMES, Iowa — Herbaceous perennials are commonly divided for three reasons: to control size, to rejuvenate plants and to propagate a prized perennial. Vigorous perennials may grow so rapidly that they crowd out neighboring plants in the flower bed.
Other perennials decline in vigor if not divided at the appropriate time. One of the easiest ways to propagate a prized perennial is to divide the plant into two or more smaller plants.
Do I need to divide the perennials in my garden?
Some perennials, such as garden peonies, can be left undisturbed for 50 or more years. Others need to be divided periodically to contain their spread or to rejuvenate declining plants.
Perennials, such as gooseneck loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides), obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana), and bee balm (Monarda didyma) are vigorous growers. They grow so rapidly that they begin to crowd out neighboring plants within a few years.
Gooseneck loosestrife and other vigorous growers should be divided every two to three years. After dividing the perennials, replant some of the divisions, give others to relatives or neighbors, and discard remaining plants in the compost pile.
In contrast, the performance of some perennials, such as bearded iris (Iris hybrids), begins to decline after several years. If not divided every three to five years, bearded irises become overcrowded and don’t bloom well.
Declining perennials should be divided to rejuvenate the plants.
Which perennials can be divided in spring?
The best time to divide perennials varies with the different plant species.
Early spring (just as new growth begins to appear) is the best time to divide aster, chrysanthemum, hosta, bee balm, sedum, yarrow, obedient plant, perennial salvia, purple coneflower, and ornamental grasses.
Other perennials that can be divided in spring include coreopsis, daylily, garden phlox, speedwell, and hardy zinnia. In early spring, dig up the perennials just as new growth begins to appear.
Divide each plant clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division should contain several shoots and a portion of the root system.
Immediately replant the divisions. Keep the newly divided perennials well-watered through spring and summer. Most newly divided perennials don’t bloom well until their second growing season.
How often can I divide perennials?
Many gardeners like to divide perennials to produce additional plants for themselves or to give to others. The frequency of division depends on the species of plant. Most fast-growing perennials, such as aster, bee balm, chrysanthemum, coreopsis, daylily and garden phlox, can be divided every two-to-three years.
Slower maturing perennials, such as hosta and peony, can be divided every three to five years.
Which perennials don’t like to be divided?
While most perennials are easy to divide, a few perennials are difficult to divide because of deep taproots or extensive root systems. These perennials prefer to be left undisturbed.
Perennials that don’t tolerate division well include monkshood (Aconitum spp.), columbine (Aquilegia hybrids), goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus), swamp (rose) milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), false blue indigo (Baptisia australis), gas plant (Dictamnus albus), baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata), balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), and Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa).
About the authors
Richard Jauron is an Extension horticulturist at Iowa State University, and Willy Klein is an advancement specialist.
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