Writen by Paul Wonning
Autumn is the best time to transplant and divide perennials. Cooler temperatures in the fall combined with the advancing dormancy of the plant help to encourage root growth through the winter which allows the perennial to emerge in the spring vigorous and ready to grow.
Most perennials require the same basic steps to transplant and divide them. There are a few exceptions to the process outlined here. These exceptions would be peony, butterfly flower and iris. These plants require a bit of different handling.
The first step is to cut the foliage down to about one inch above the soil line using a grass shears. The foliage cut off can be added to a compost heap or run through a shredder and used as mulch. Try not to place the shredded foliage around plants of the same species if using as a mulch as this can spread disease and pests among similar plants.
Next take a shovel and cut around the plant about three inches or so back from base of the plant. Cut about six inches deep and make sure you cut completely around.
Using the shovel, lift the plant from the ground and lay it on the ground with the cut stems facing upward.
If you want more plants, now is the time to make divisions of the plant. Usually a well established perennial will allow you to get at least four divisions. Place the point of the shovel in the center of the clump. Using your foot, drive the shovel completely through the clump with a quick downward stroke, cutting it in half.
Now you can lay the divided clumps on their side. Cut these in two, again using the shovel. Now you have four perennials ready to plant. Dig a hole somewhat larger than the clump you wish to plant. Addition of a bit of slow release fertilizer mixed into the bottom of the hole will be beneficial at this point . Place the clump in the hole and water a bit. Now backfill with dirt, and water again to help establish the plant and settle the dirt around the roots. You may lightly mulch most perennials with a light covering of shredded leaves to prevent frost heaving the roots out of the ground..
For peonies, dig them as you would other perennials. The peony root is large and brittle, so care must be taken to not break it up too much. After digging, you will notice buds, or eyes, at the top of the root system. You can cut the root into divisions, taking care to include at least three eyes in each section.
Iris roots run along the surface of the soil. These can be dug out and divided, too, making sure that there is at least two or three eyes to a section of root. Don't plant these sections too deep. Cut a shallow a trench with the shovel or trowel, lay the root section in the trench and cover with soil, leaving the very top of the root exposed. Sprinkle the new transplants with water to settle them in.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) usually can't be divided. In spring the plant is dug and root cuttings are taken.
It is best to do the division and transplanting work just before rain is predicted, as the rain will water the plant in good, and the cold fronts which usually accompany the rain reduces the stress to the transplanted perennial and help it get established.
Using the cooler autumn temperatures to transplant your perennials will allow the plant to gain almost a full season over spring transplanting. Taking advantage of the approaching dormancy of the plant will help the plant establish itself and grow more quickly the following spring.
Paul Wonning is the owner of Gardens and Nature.com, a web site about gardening, hiking and other nature topics. |
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