Here's a quick video about dividing perennial flowers. I hope you find it useful and to-the-point.
Most importantly, if you have questions about dividing perennials or if you're not sure about something, do enter a comment using the link below.
There are several points to emphasize in the video. This technique is done in very early spring just as the plants get going (or just before) and again in the fall. In this video, I'm dividing Hemerocallis (daylilies) but the same rules of thumb operate for every perennial plant.
I do try to leave some of the original plant in the ground to continue growing but this isn't necessary if you're trying to maximize the number of divisions you get. Dig it up - divide it into as many plants as you can and then simply replant one of them in your own garden.
This technique does not work on most shrubs or evergreens (there are some shrubs that throw "suckers" and you can dig up these suckers for new plants. But it's not quite the same thing as dividing a perennial.
Do ask your questions using the link below and feel free to share this page with friends by using the special facebook etc links at the bottom of the page.
If I would have cut off the stems, flowers & buds
in front of friends, they would be
upset. If we are dividing P's (daylilies) while they are blooming, do we have to sacrifice the
flowers. Could we have planted, watered them
& kept the flwrs.Would they have kept blooming.
dividing perennials by: maude
I moved an old 4 ft tall coreopsis to made room for a rose bush. The 5 new plants (positioned in early morning sun till 1pm) keeled over and started to wilt. After a week threw them in the composter. You mean all I had to do was cut off the tops as per your video?
suckers by: Anonymous
what about suckers on trees. can they be rooted, ex yoshino cherry
Banana Plants by: Neill
I enjoyed the video but was wondering if you can do yhr same with Hardy Banana plants as we have 3 on our deck that are becoming a little over grown. If it matters we live in the Vancouver area
thanks good work
Good video by: Ja
I, too, have for too long been intimidated by getting down and dirty with the perennials and dividing for propagation.
It really helps to have sharpened tools.
Billings, MT
top growth removed by: mark
hi doug,thanks for the video.i,m a little confused though.you removed the leaves from the day lily,dont you let them die back so the plant stores energy for next year.thanks again mark from quincy.
depth by: Mary T
Thank you so much Doug, as a new comer, please let us know about what depth should we plant the new shoots? the same as the mother plant or more shallow? thanks so much
Dividing by: Anonymous
How about something on dividing perennials with "eyes" as peony. Also info on how to replant the divided peony. I think it is supposed to be done in the fall???
THanks for the video- it really does help to see it done.
God Job by: pearls
Wow that was easy.
Thanks Doug good job as usual.
Lilies to divide by: Taag
Doug,
Thanks for the brief video.
Please may we have little more of s look st the bulbs of lilies.
I have no green thumb, but am keen to learn.
Does it hold same for hosta, lily or scotch broom?
Thanks
hop surprise by: from Oregon
I live in hops country and was given a hop root this last spring. I wanted more than one so decided to try dividing it. The root was incredibly twisted, but I got four divisions from it. All of them grew, one on each corner of my arbor.
How do you divide OrientalPoppies? by: Lois
The video was great. short, sweet and all you need to know. I have an oriental poppy that seriously needs dividing. How do I do this with a plant that has a tap root?
shovels by: Linda b
watch that head of yours. The shovel about did a division on you. Great video. Looking for more.
Fantastic!!! by: Marguerite
Your video was short, simple and very useful. This is a great one for the beginner. At 60, I do remember the days of being intimidated by this task....
You made it easy..so good!
Thanks! by: Jane Wheeler
Well, Doug, you made that look easy! Does that work with say Delphiniums , asters or sedum?
thanks.
gad you sent this by: Charlie
Hi Doug, just yesterday someone came to our door to introduce themselves and ask us advice on dividing perrenials. I didn't have time to talk much with them since I was on my way out but assred them I would get back to them and now rather than them trying to find me in the fall I can give them your web sight and this video. Thanks and have a great walk in the garden today and everyday.
Good to see... by: Debbie Smith
I haven't seen you for awhile,you must be very happy in your new place,you have gained some weight!! (me too!!) Thank-you for just being there,giving good advice and not being so complicated,just simple and straight to the point!!
Fall window for division by: Joe
Can you please describe how to recognize the fall window of opportunity to divide perennials. When is too close to summer? What are the risks of dividing too early? When is too late in the fall? Ditto for spring window of opportunity. Zone 5. Thanks
Pruning by: Alexis
That was quick and painless! Glad you mentioned about trimming the tops back. I see a lot of people reluctant to cut the plants back enough to prevent extensive wilting. They often lose the plant for that reason only.
