Divide and Conquer: Split Perennials for Free Plants

Want to know the secret that professional landscapers don’t want you to discover? That $300 perennial border you’ve been eyeing? You can create it for free by dividing the plants you already have.

Division isn’t just about getting free plants (though that’s certainly a perk). It’s essential maintenance that keeps perennials healthy, vigorous, and blooming their best. When done right, both the parent plant and its offspring will reward you with better growth and more flowers than ever before.

The Science Behind Division Success

When perennials grow, they expand from the center outward. Over time, this creates a donut effect—the center dies out while the edges keep growing. Division rejuvenates these plants by removing the old, woody center and replanting the vigorous outer portions.

Here’s what happens when you divide:

• Root stimulation: Fresh cuts trigger new root growth
• Improved air circulation: Smaller clumps dry faster, reducing disease
• Better nutrient uptake: Young roots are more efficient feeders
• Increased blooming: Rejuvenated plants put energy into flowers, not survival
• Extended lifespan: Regular division can keep perennials thriving for decades

Late Summer Division: Who’s Ready Now

Perfect for August-September Division

These perennials recover quickly when divided in late summer:

Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

• Divide every 3-4 years
• Can create 10+ plants from mature clumps
• Cut foliage to 6 inches after dividing
• Water well until established

Hostas

• Best divided in late summer to early fall
• Use sharp spade to cut through thick roots
• Each division needs 3-5 growing points
• Shade new divisions for first week

Bearded Iris

• Divide 6-8 weeks before first frost
• Discard old rhizome centers
• Plant rhizomes partially exposed
• Reduce watering after establishment

Oriental Poppies

• Divide when dormant in late summer
• Handle roots carefully—they’re brittle
• Plant immediately after division
• Mark location—they disappear until spring

Wait Until Spring for These

Some perennials sulk or die if divided now. Save these for April-May:

• Ornamental grasses (except sedges)
• Asters and chrysanthemums
• Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
• Coneflowers (Echinacea)
• Lavender and other woody perennials

Essential Tools for Clean Division

The right tools make division easier and healthier for plants:

Must-Have Tools

1. Sharp spade: For cutting through root masses
2. Garden fork: Gentler option for fibrous roots
3. Pruning saw: For woody crowns
4. Sharp knife: For precise cuts on small plants
5. Tarp: Keeps work area clean and contains soil

Helpful Extras

• Wheelbarrow for moving divisions
• Bucket of water for root soaking
• Labels and markers
• Compost for amending planting holes
• Mulch for finishing touches

Step-by-Step Division Guide

Method 1: The Gentle Fork Technique (Best for Fibrous Roots)

Perfect for: Astilbe, ferns, coral bells

1. Water deeply the day before dividing
2. Cut back foliage to 6-8 inches
3. Dig around plant 6 inches from crown
4. Lift carefully with garden fork
5. Tease apart roots with two forks back-to-back
6. Separate into sections with 3-5 shoots each
7. Replant immediately at same depth

Method 2: The Clean Cut Method (Best for Tough Roots)

Perfect for: Hostas, daylilies, ornamental grasses

1. Mark divisions while plant is in ground
2. Use sharp spade to cut straight down
3. Slice completely through root mass
4. Lift sections individually
5. Trim damaged roots with clean cuts
6. Plant immediately in prepared holes

Method 3: The Wash and Split (Best for Precious Plants)

Perfect for: Rare varieties, expensive cultivars

1. Lift entire clump carefully
2. Wash soil away with gentle water stream
3. Examine root structure to find natural divisions
4. Cut or pull apart at natural breaking points
5. Trim any damaged portions
6. Pot up divisions for careful monitoring

Timing Is Everything: Your Division Calendar

Late Summer (August-September)

Divide now:

• Spring bloomers (they’ll flower next year)
• Foliage plants (hostas, ferns)
• Early summer bloomers (done for the season)

Why it works:

• Soil is warm for root growth
• Plants have stored energy
• Fall rains help establishment
• Less stress than summer heat

Early Fall (October-November)

Last chance for:

• Hardy perennials in zones 5-7
• Spring bulb companions
• Groundcovers

Skip if:

• First frost is within 6 weeks
• Plants show stress
• Drought conditions persist

Division Math: How Many Plants Can You Make?

Different perennials yield different division numbers:

Plant Type	Age of Clump	Potential Divisions	Retail Value
Hosta	5 years	8-12	$120-180
Daylily	4 years	10-15	$100-150
Astilbe	3 years	4-6	$60-90
Sedum	2 years	6-10	$50-80
Iris	3 years	8-12	$80-120

Aftercare: Ensuring Division Success

The first two weeks after division are critical. Here’s your care checklist:

Week 1: Establishment Phase

• Water daily (morning is best)
• Provide temporary shade for sun-lovers
• Mist foliage on hot afternoons
• Watch for wilting

Week 2: Recovery Phase

• Reduce watering to every other day
• Remove temporary shading gradually
• Apply light layer of compost
• Monitor for new growth

Weeks 3-4: Growth Phase

• Water twice weekly (deeply)
• Apply balanced fertilizer at half-strength
• Mulch around plants
• Remove any dead foliage

Creative Ways to Use Your Divisions

Instant Impact Projects

Create a Hedge Line a walkway with divided hostas or daylilies spaced 18 inches apart. By next summer, they’ll form a continuous border.

Fill a Rain Garden Moisture-loving divisions like astilbe and ferns are perfect for rain garden plantings.

Start a Cutting Garden Plant divisions in rows for easy maintenance and endless bouquets.

Share the Wealth

• Plant swaps: Trade divisions with neighbors
• Community gardens: Donate to local projects
• School gardens: Educational opportunity for kids
• Plant sales: Fundraise for garden clubs
• Gift plants: Perfect for housewarmings

Common Division Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Dividing Too Small

Problem: Tiny divisions struggle to establish Solution: Each division needs 3-5 growing points minimum

Mistake 2: Planting Too Deep

Problem: Crown rot and poor growth Solution: Plant at exact same depth as original

Mistake 3: Fertilizing Too Soon

Problem: Burns tender new roots Solution: Wait 2-3 weeks, then use half-strength

Mistake 4: Letting Roots Dry Out

Problem: Permanent damage to root hairs Solution: Keep roots moist; plant within 30 minutes

Mistake 5: Wrong Timing

Problem: Plants don’t establish before dormancy Solution: Allow 6 weeks minimum before first frost

Special Techniques for Challenging Plants

Ornamental Grasses

• Best divided in early spring (except sedges)
• Use sawzall for large miscanthus clumps
• Wear gloves—edges are sharp
• Cut foliage to 6 inches first

Peonies

• Divide in fall only (September-October)
• Each division needs 3-5 eyes
• Plant eyes 2 inches below soil
• Won’t bloom for 2-3 years after division

Woody Perennials (Lavender, Sage)

• Don’t divide—take cuttings instead
• Division often kills these plants
• Best propagated from stem cuttings

Your Division Action Plan

Ready to multiply your garden? Here’s your strategic approach:

This Weekend: Scout and Plan

1. Walk your garden with notebook
2. Mark plants showing division signs:
   • Dead centers
   • Reduced blooming
   • Overcrowding
   • Falling over

Next Week: Gather Supplies

• Sharpen tools
• Buy compost and mulch
• Prepare holding area for extras
• Label plant markers

Division Day: Execute

• Start early morning
• Work in shade if possible
• Have water ready
• Take photos for reference

The Economics of Division

Let’s talk real savings. Here’s what division can save you:

Traditional approach (buying plants):

• 50 perennials × $12 average = $600
• Plus delivery or gas = $50
• Total: $650

Division approach:

• Start with 5-10 plants = $60-120
• Tools (one-time) = $50
• Compost and mulch = $30
• Total: $140-200
• Savings: $450-510

Visualize Your Divisions with Gardenly

Not sure how your divisions will look when planted? Gardenly’s AI design tool helps you plan the perfect placement for all those new plants. Upload a photo of your garden and experiment with different arrangements, spacing, and combinations.

You can even get suggestions for which existing plants to divide and where to place the divisions for maximum impact. See your future garden before you lift a single spade.

Start Your Division Journey

Division is gardening’s best-kept money-saving secret. With just a few hours of work, you can transform a sparse garden into a lush paradise—all from plants you already own.

Start with one easy success like daylilies or hostas. Once you see those divisions thriving next spring, you’ll be hooked on this satisfying and economical gardening technique.

Remember: every division is an investment in your garden’s future. Those free plants you create today will be dividing themselves in a few years, creating an endless cycle of garden abundance.

Ready to plan where all your new divisions will go? Try Gardenly’s AI garden designer  to visualize your expanded garden instantly.