Fall Division of Perennial Plants
When to Split or Divide Perennial Flowers in Fall for Propagation, To Renew Plant Vigor Or To Control Spreading
Aug 31, 2006 Barbara M. Martin
Fall is a good season to divide or split many perennials. While many flower gardeners consider spring to be the prime gardening season, that is short sighted. Fall is also an excellent time of year to do many important flower gardening tasks. Among the most important fall chores is splitting or dividing perennials.
Why Divide Perennials?
There are several reasons for splitting or dividing perennials. Some perennial plants become woody in the center and lose vigor over time causing them to bloom less. Division of these plants encourages vigorous new growth and better blooming.
Some plants spread outward with abandon and need to be divided frequently to keep them in bounds. Without regular division such rambunctious spreaders could take over your garden.
Sometimes a gardener will divide a perennial in order to increase it. Propagation by division assures the new plant will be an exact match with the original. Division is an inexpensive way to increase your stock of a favorite plant, or to create extra plants for swapping with friends.
Divide These Perennials in Fall
Some perennials do best if divided in the spring, some do best if divided in the fall, and others may be divided in either fall or spring. The following may be divided in the fall with good results. I think you will be surprised at how many perennials can be successfully divided in the fall!
Many perennials can be left in place for at least several years before they need dividing -- and a few such as peony and baptisia -- rarely need dividing, if ever. But if you have plants that need to be divided, see if they are listed. If so, do it this fall and both you and your plants will get a good jump on spring!
These Perennials May Be Divided in Fall
Listed Alphabetically by Botanical Name
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copyright 2006 Barbara Martin
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