More on Dividing Perennials

Beyond the basics of when and how to divide, a few finer points make the difference between a struggling transplant and one that establishes quickly.

Timing Around Bloom

Spring and fall bloomers generally divide best in the opposite season from their bloom time, giving the plant a full growing season to recover before it needs to flower again. Dividing a plant right before or during its bloom period stresses it unnecessarily and often reduces that season's flowering.

Cool, overcast days are easier on newly divided plants than hot, sunny ones, since they reduce moisture stress while roots reestablish.

Aftercare Matters

Water newly divided plants thoroughly and consistently for the first few weeks, since their reduced root systems can't yet draw moisture as efficiently as the original clump could. Most divisions settle in and resume normal growth within a season.