Dividing & Transplanting Perennials

Dividing & Transplanting

perennials

Planting perennials is a great way to bring colorful blooms, unique foliage, and long-lasting interest to the landscape spring through fall. As the saying goes, “the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap” — a reminder that while perennials are beautiful from the start, they truly shine as they mature in the garden. But what happens when they get a little too big for their space, or when blooms start to lose their vigor? The good news is that they can be managed or revitalized by dividing and transplanting!

the rule of thumb

timing is everything

When it comes to dividing and transplanting perennials, timing is key. The general rule of thumb: divide them in the opposite season from when they bloom so their flowering cycle is not interrupted.

For example, spring-blooming perennials like Poppies, Iris, and Peonies should be divided in fall. Likewise, fall-blooming perennials like Sedum, Asters, and Black-Eyed Susans can most easily be divided in spring. Perennials that bloom midsummer like Hostas and Daylilies can be divided in spring or fall.

Of course, like most gardening rules, there are a few exceptions, and knowing them can make dividing even easier and more successful!

the dividing process

for most perennials

No matter the time of season, it’s best to thoroughly irrigate the soil around the plant you want to divide 24 hours before you plan to dig — or plan to divide after a good rainfall. Choosing a day with moderate temperatures will also help reduce stress on the plants. When replanting, use Espoma Bio-tone® to help stimulate strong root establishment.

Fall Dividing | When dividing spring-blooming perennials in the fall, cut the foliage back to just a few inches tall, then dig up the entire clump. Split the clump into sections for replanting. It’s best to replant the same day, but when that’s not possible, keep the divisions shaded and moist until you can plant.

Spring Dividing | When dividing fall-blooming perennials in spring, wait until new growth has started to emerge. While plants are still relatively short and manageable, dig up the entire clump and divide it into smaller sections for replanting. As with fall divisions, same-day planting is ideal. If a delay is unavoidable, keep the divisions shaded and moist until planting.

*Note: Peonies, Iris, and Poppies are quirky when it comes to dividing and transplanting and require a little extra care.

Angelo Petitti's

Six Steps to Success

When planting freshly divided perennials, we recommend following Angelo’s Six Steps to Success — a simple planting process designed to ensure healthy root growth and proper nutrition.

First, dig the hole the same depth, but twice as wide as the divided clump. Then, add organic material like fresh compost or Petitti Planting Mix, and incorporate it into the existing soil. Add a root stimulator like Espoma Bio-tone® to help roots establish with ease, then backfill soil around the plant. Finish by watering thoroughly, applying fertilizer, and top with mulch to help keep moisture in and reduce weeds.

tips for success

with Peonies, Poppies & Iris

Fall division is key. Divide and transplant late August through September (at least 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes in Northeast Ohio).

Peonies | The most important detail when replanting is soil depth. Peonies do not like to be planted too deep, so keep the buds/eyes of the plant about 1-2 inches below the soil surface.

Poppies | Carefully dig the clump and separate the roots into smaller divisions. Replant them immediately at the same depth they were growing, making sure not to bury them too deeply. Plant them in full sun and in an area with good drainage.

Iris | Start by cutting the foliage down to 4-6 inches. Then, dig up clumps that need to be divided and carefully separate the rhizomes. Plant them with the top of the rhizome exposed, ideally on a slight mound to promote drainage. Choose a sunny, well-drained area and feed with a low nitrogen fertilizer, such as Espoma Bulb-tone® to encourage healthy growth.

a video guide to

dividing & transplanting

Whether it’s to maintain size or revitalize blooms, dividing and transplanting is an easy way to keep perennials healthy and growing. In this video, Noelle demonstrates how to dig, divide, and transplant Hostas using the same process that applies to most perennials. She also shares how to determine the best season for dividing different types and offers tips for keeping new divisions healthy.

a quick guide

how often to divide

Perennials that benefit from regular division (every 1-3 years):

Perennials that rarely need division (10+ Years):

dividing perennials

gardening success

Dividing and transplanting perennials might seem daunting at first, but with the right timing and a few simple steps, it’s an easy way to keep your garden thriving year after year. For more tips and inspiration, visit one of our 10 Petitti locations, or explore more of our gardening guides online.

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