Parting your perennials

You may have a lot of perennials in your garden, they are a popular choice as they last a long time with so little care. However, in time some may get too big and need to be divided. This may be a daunting thought but don’t worry we’re here to give you some top tips on how to do this effectively.

Herbaceous Perennial

• a soft-stemmed plant, during the autumn months its top growth dies down but gets going again before spring.

Woody Perennial

• with rigid, permanent stems and branches, they can live for a number of years to centuries. They can be evergreen of deciduous trees, roses and shrubs.

Tender Perennial

• these cannot tolerate low temperatures or frosts; they can be outdoors for the summer months but must be brought indoors to survive the winter as they usually come from countries hotter than ours.

The signs to look out for

• Your plant is flowering less and its blooms are smaller.
• Growth in the centre of the plant is dying.
• The plant is growing less enthusiastically.
• Your plant has outgrown its space and is getting too cramped by its neighbours.

The best time to do it

• For most perennials spring is the best time for division.
• Only do it when absolutely necessary.
• Waiting till your plant has stopped blooming will be less stressful, for you and your plant.

Follow these straightforward steps

1. Using a sharp spade dig all round the plant.
2. Lift the plant out of the ground by sliding the spade beneath it.
3. Using your sharp spade, or a knife if necessary, cut the dug out clump into smaller plants.
4. Check for and reject any dead sections and trim off damaged roots.
5. Ensure your now individual plants are kept moist until they’re re-planted.
6. When re-planting make sure it is to the same depth as before.
7. Water well to keep them well hydrated whilst they settle in.