How to Divide Perennials

Divide perennials by digging up the entire plant, separating the root clump into sections with sharp tools, and replanting each division in prepared soil.

  1. Divide When Plants Rest. Divide spring-blooming perennials in fall, and summer or fall-blooming perennials in early spring. The plant should be dormant or just emerging. Avoid dividing during active flowering or extreme weather.
  2. Hydrate Before You Dig. Water the perennial deeply 24 hours before dividing. This softens the soil and reduces stress on the plant. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged when you begin digging.
  3. Stage Your Planting Holes. Dig holes for your divisions before you start, making them twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the original plant was growing. Add compost to the planting holes and have them ready.
  4. Cut Foliage Back Hard. Trim the plant back to 6 inches tall to reduce stress and make handling easier. This helps the plant focus energy on establishing new roots rather than supporting excessive top growth.
  5. Extract the Entire Root Ball. Use a spade or garden fork to dig a circle around the plant, staying 6 inches away from the visible stems. Dig down 8-12 inches deep, then work the tool under the root ball and lift the entire clump.
  6. Expose Roots, Find Divisions. Gently shake or rinse off excess soil so you can see the root structure clearly. Look for natural divisions where the plant has multiple crowns or growing points. Remove any dead, damaged, or rotted sections.
  7. Separate Into Viable Pieces. Use a sharp spade, knife, or garden saw to cut through the root ball. Each division needs both roots and growing shoots. For fibrous-rooted plants, pull sections apart by hand. For thick, fleshy roots, use clean, sharp tools.
  8. Get Divisions in Ground Now. Place each division in its prepared hole at the same depth it was growing before. Firm the soil gently around the roots, eliminating air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
  9. Mulch, Water, and Monitor. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around each new plant, keeping it away from the stems. Water regularly for the first month until the plants establish. New growth indicates successful establishment.