Dividing perennials is generally easy and perennials attract lots of gardeners and flower lovers not only by their spectacular blooms, but also by their ability to be easily divided. It is a very convenient way to create new growth; just use the cuttings of the parent plants to increase the number of your favourite plants.
Perennials can provide so many cuttings that you’ll get a chance to share them with other gardeners, perhaps with your relatives, friends, neighbours or just acquaintances. New divisions of the plant can be used for plantings in the same part of the garden or in another area if you are planning on redesigning or extending part of your garden with the same plants.
Dividing perennials is also beneficial for encouraging the plants to produce more flowers and to be healthier and stronger. An overgrown plant is not capable of producing the same quantity of blooms, and its flowers are not that showy and bright.
Not all the perennials can be easily divided. Generally speaking, it is easier to divide perennials that grow in clumps, and of course the ones with a developed root system. A plant with a single root is impossible to divide. Trying to divide the taproot will result in death of the whole plant. To increase the number of these types of perennials, it is recommended to opt for seeding or root cuttings instead of by division.
Spring and early summer bloomers should be divided in the fall or autumn. The plants with a blooming period in autumn can be divided in the spring instead. It is important to perform the division at the right time of year, so if you are not an experienced gardener, it is advisable to investigate the subject first.
The procedure itself is very simple: using a spading fork, loosen the ground around the plant. Take a garden trowel and slice the clump into four pieces. Break these four divisions by hand and make a section four by four inches. The plant bed should be prepared in advance so that you can transfer the cuttings to their new home immediately.
A couple of days before the procedure of division it is crucially important to wet the soil thoroughly. It will simplify the task of digging the clump. Do not forget to add organic matter or compost to the soil where you are going to plant the new divisions. It is also advisable to add the organic materials to the parenting plant as well. It will help all the plants to establish faster and to thrive. Fertilizing will provide the plants with the nutrition necessary for healthy growth. And of course it comes without saying that it is necessary to water the plants regularly.
There are lots of techniques on how to keep your garden green, picturesque and cheerful, and dividing the plants if one of them. Taking care of your garden and plants is always rewarding and beneficial: you make them healthy and beautiful, and they make you happy in return.
