This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Autumn is the perfect time to do some work in the garden. Before putting away all the tools for the winter, go around your flowerbeds and inspect your perennials. Would some need to be divided?
There are several reasons for dividing our perennials in the fall. The cooler temperatures ensure a better recovery and allow good rooting before the final frosts of winter. Also, this is the perfect time to divide perennials that bloom in spring and summer, since their flowering will not be compromised by the division. Late summer or fall flowering plants will therefore be divided in the spring.
A perennial can be divided because it takes up too much space in your flower bed: this allows you to plant it elsewhere or to please another gardener. Also, some perennials tend to thin out in the center and look less great than they did a few years ago. Division rejuvenates your perennial by removing the bare section and replanting leafy sections. We take the opportunity to clean up and get rid of weeds that could have settled through the stems.
How to divide?
1. Water copiously the perennials to be divided the day before the operation. This will make it easier to remove the plant from your flower bed.
2.When you are ready, remove the perennial leaving as many roots as possible around the root ball. To perform the division, sharp tools are of vital importance. Use a square shovel or an edger to divide your perennial into two or more pieces.
3.Replant the divided perennials, taking care to add compost and planting fertilizer to quickly encourage the formation of new roots. Freshly divided perennials shouldn’t be short of water, and sometimes they need a little help if the rain isn’t coming. Immediately after planting, it is necessary to carry out a copious watering. Watering is then closely monitored until frost, but cool temperatures and the use of mulch help reduce watering. Usually one to three deep waterings per week are sufficient. If a frost is expected, watering is not necessary.
Splitting will typically be completed by mid-October for most regions; if carried out later, rooting will not be optimal until the cold season.
Adding mulch can be helpful to protect the new root system from harsh winter weather. Divisions that are not put back in the ground can be potted up for later planting or to make happy people around you.
What to divide?
Most perennials can easily be divided. The general rule is that if a plant flowers early, divide it late in the season, and vice versa. In autumn, generally in September, favor the division of perennials that bloom in spring or summer, such as daylilies, hostas, peonies (be careful, you have to be patient after dividing peonies to see flowers again ), iris, phlox, chrysanthemum (Leucanthemum), astilbe, poppy or bleeding heart (Dicentra).
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.