Dividing Herbaceous Perennials: A Guide for October Gardeners
It’s not too late to divide your herbaceous perennials this October. This essential gardening task can rejuvenate your plants, ensuring they remain healthy and vigorous for years to come. At Creepers Nursery, we offer a wide range of perennials and expert advice to help you make the most of your garden.
Why Divide Herbaceous Perennials?
Dividing herbaceous perennials is a crucial practice for maintaining plant health and garden aesthetics. Over time, perennials can become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering and vigour. By dividing them, you can rejuvenate the plants, promote better growth, and even create new plants for other areas of your garden.
When to Divide Perennials
While spring and autumn are both suitable times for dividing perennials, autumn is often preferred as the soil is still warm, allowing roots to establish before winter. October is an ideal month, providing ample time for plants to settle in.
How to Divide Herbaceous Perennials
Preparation
Before you start, ensure you have the necessary tools: a garden fork, a spade, and a sharp knife. Water the plants thoroughly a day before dividing to reduce stress.
Lifting the Plant
Gently lift the plant from the ground using a garden fork. Start from the outer edge and work your way inwards to avoid damaging the roots. Shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
Dividing the Clump
Examine the root ball and identify natural divisions. Use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy root system and shoots. Discard any old, woody parts from the centre.
Replanting
Replant the divisions immediately to prevent them from drying out. Space them appropriately to allow for future growth. Water them well and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots.
Caring for Divided Perennials
After dividing and replanting, it’s important to care for your perennials to ensure they thrive. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect young plants from frost with a layer of mulch or fleece.
Popular Perennials to Divide
Some perennials benefit greatly from regular division. These include:
- Hostas: Known for their lush foliage, hostas can become overcrowded and benefit from division every few years.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These vibrant flowers can be divided to maintain their vigour and increase blooms.
- Sedum: Autumn-flowering sedums can be divided to create new plants and prevent overcrowding.
- Asters: Dividing asters helps to control their spread and encourages healthy growth.
Visit Creepers Nursery
For a wide selection of high-quality herbaceous perennials and expert gardening advice, visit Creepers Nursery. With locations in Surrey, London, and the New Forest, Creepers Nursery offers an extensive range of plants and services to help you create a beautiful and thriving garden. Their knowledgeable staff can provide guidance on dividing perennials and selecting the best plants for your garden.
Dividing herbaceous perennials is a rewarding task that can enhance the health and beauty of your garden. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your plants remain vigorous and productive. Visit Creepers Nursery to explore their stunning collection of perennials and receive expert advice on all your gardening needs.
