COOLER WEATHER AND DIVIDING PERENNIALS

As cooler weather is fast approaching, it's also the time to think of dividing perennials.   If your plant has decreased bloom size or number of blooms, if the centers have become woody, or if the plant has overgrown it's space, it's time to divide.  Most perennials do best if divided after 2-3 years, although some can go as long as 4-5. Dividing perennials is a relatively easy thing to do if a few steps are followed: 

• Divide on a cloudy day, free from wind
• Soak the plant well a few days prior to transplanting
• Make sure to have the new site prepared and ready for the transplant to be planted in
• If it's woody, make divisions from the outside of the plant and throw away the center
• If there are any diseased parts on the plant, cut that portion out before transplanting
• Cut back the plant beforehand; it will do better and also be easier to handle
• If large, use a pitchfork to dig up plants to protect roots and keep them intact
• Dig out around the plant to get all roots
• Keep as much soil around the plants roots as possible
• Water in well--this removes any air pockets as the soil will settle
• keep newly transplanted plants moist--but don't over-water  (VERY IMPORTANT!)
• Make sure you do early enough in the season to get a good root system established before cold weather sets in--Late September to mid-October is best in most areas

Plants that benefit from division are Daylilies, Iris, Hosta, Lamb's Ear, Bee Balm, Mums, Delphinium, Foxglove, Phlox, Coral Bells, Asiatic lilies, Poppy and Saliva.