How to Divide Perennials: Multiply Your Plants for Free and Keep Them Healthy

Perennials are garden workhorses—returning year after year. But over time, clumps become crowded, flowering declines, and centers die out. Division rejuvenates them and gives you free plants to expand your garden or share.

When to Divide

• Spring/summer bloomers: Divide in fall.
• Fall/late-summer bloomers: Divide in spring.

Best candidates: clump-formers with spreading root systems (hosta, daylily, ornamental grasses). Taprooted plants (lupine, butterfly weed) resist division; propagate via cuttings or seed instead.

Step-by-Step Division

1. Water deeply 2 days before to ease digging.
2. Loosen soil around the clump with a spading fork; lift gently.
3. Slice clump into quarters with a sharp spade or knife.
4. Break sections into 4×4-inch pieces by hand.
5. Replant immediately in prepared soil amended with compost.
6. Water thoroughly; mulch to retain moisture.

Keys to Success

• Add organic matter to both old and new planting sites.
• Keep divisions shaded and moist until established.
• Fertilize lightly after new growth appears.

With a little time and a sharp spade, you can turn one mature perennial into a dozen vigorous new plants—building a lush garden on a shoestring budget.