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Gardening expert Lucy Hewett splits perennials for a great display next year

There has been such a small amount of rain it has left me struggling to get my fork into the ground!

Which is not normally such a problem at this time of year. I will just have to put my back into it as I want to get on with some lifting and dividing which, although can be done at any time of year, is most successful when not actively growing so now or early spring.

A few of my perennials in the border have started to deteriorate somewhat, looking a bit overcrowded and dying off in the centre with smaller leaves and fewer flowers.

Recommended every two to three years, they will benefit from dividing which is literally splitting the old plant into smaller sections, this will regenerate the plant with new healthy vigorous growth and increase my plant stocks.

Geraniums ready for dividing
Geraniums ready for dividing

How to divide a clump of perennials:

Dig up the clump with a fork; trying not to disturb the roots too much, shake off excess soil to find the best place to divide, you may need to wash it off to see clearer.

You are aiming for three to five healthy shoots on each of your new clumps. Discard any diseased parts and the centre. The newest healthiest parts are at the outer of the plant.

On smaller, fibrous rooted plants you should be able to use your hands to gently pull the plant apart. These include Geranium; Heuchera; Epimedium and Primula.

On larger more fleshy-rooted plants such as Hemerocallis (daylily), Lupins and Hostas you may need to use two garden forks which can be inserted into the crown and used as levers to pull apart and untangle the root into two sections or more if required.

Use a fork to lift clumps
Use a fork to lift clumps

You may need to use a knife or spade to split the clump in two this is useful for rhizomes like Flag Iris and Lily of the Valley.

Replant as soon as possible after division, firm and water in well or if you’d like to build up the size of smaller plants you could pot up and overwinter in a frost-free place before planting out again in the spring.

Two new plants ready to go
Two new plants ready to go
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