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Perennial Plant Division Guide

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This guide provides step-by-step instructions for gardeners looking to propagate their favorite perennials through root division. By following these techniques, you will learn how to safely separate root balls and transplant them to expand your garden.

Safety Warnings

  • Use sharp spades and knives carefully to avoid cuts and puncture wounds.
  • Wear gardening gloves when handling soil and roots.

Tools Needed

Shovel — Standard garden shovel for digging root balls
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Gardening knife — Sharp knife for breaking tough root clusters
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Pruners — Hand pruners for clipping dead stems and leaves
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Gardening forks — Pair of forks used for prying large root balls
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Materials

Mulch — Wood, bark, or pine straw(As needed for bed coverage)
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Tarp — Heavy-duty plastic or canvas(1)
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Potting soil — Standard bagged mix(As needed for temporary potting)
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Steps

1
Thoroughly water the perennials the day before you plan to divide them. This reduces plant stress and makes the digging process easier.
Tip: Perform this task on a cool, cloudy day just before rain to avoid transplant shock.
2
Use a shovel to loosen the soil around the plant's roots. Wedge the shovel beneath the plant and lever the root ball free from the soil, keeping the root ball as intact as possible.
lever upward Root ball Plant stems Shovel blade Cross-section: Wedge shovel beneath root ball and lift upward to loosen
3
Shake away loose dirt and rinse the roots to make them visible. Gently tease matted roots apart with fingers, use a gardening knife for tough clusters, or place two gardening forks back-to-back in the center of the root ball to pry larger plants like daylilies or hostas into clumps.
Root ball Gardening knife Tarp/Work area Pry apart Divide root clusters using a knife or forks to create viable sections
4
Verify that each division is viable. Ensure every new plant section has a healthy nest of roots (or several inches of rhizome) and at least three sturdy stems or shoots.
5
Clean up the divisions using pruners to clip away damaged roots, leaves, or dead stems. Pluck out any weeds entangled in the roots. For irises or daylilies, you may cut long leaves down by half for easier handling.
6
Replant the divisions in original locations or new beds at the same depth they were previously growing. If immediate replanting isn't possible, place them in pots with potting soil or lay them on tarps in a shady area.
Original depth Planting hole Lower to root Cross-section · Ensure crown remains at soil surface to prevent rot
7
Apply a layer of mulch over the soil and water the newly planted divisions deeply to help them acclimate.

Pro Tips

  • Divide perennials every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding, reduce disease, and improve flowering.
  • General rule: Divide plants that bloom in late summer/fall during the spring, and plants that flower in spring/early summer during the fall.
  • Avoid dividing plants when they are in bloom or during hot weather.
  • Stop all division activities at least 4 weeks before the first fall frost.

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