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• DAYLILIES
• IRIS
• PEONIES
• PHLOX
• HOSTA
• LILY OF THE VALLEY
• CHRYSANTHEMUM


The following information will acquaint you with the appropriate times and best methods of transplanting popular perennials. Most perennials grow larger every year, usually by spreading through underground stems or roots, and may need to be divided after 3 or 4 years. When flowers become sparse and smaller, it often indicates that the perennial needs to be divided. The appropriate time to divide perennials really depends on each plant. However, a general rule of them is to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in late summer or fall and to divide fall blooming perennials in early spring.


METHOD OF DIVISION Dig up a large root ball of the perennial and determine where the stems originate from the roots. If it is difficult to see the area, hose the soil off of the root ball with a strong stream of water. Use a sharp knife to cut down between the stems and through the root ball. Each division should contain several stems (with numerous roots attached) in order to make a nice showing of flowers the following year. The old center of the clump, which often doesn't contain stems can be discarded. Some large clump-growing perennials have very vigorous root systems. After lifting the clump from the ground, insert two spading forks, back to back, and pry the clump apart. Tough roots like those of daylilies and hostas may require a hatchet or saw to further cut the roots apart.


TRANSPLANTING The new planting hole may need to be amended with some type of organic matter. Adding one shovelful of peatmoss or compost to every two shovelfuls of garden soil is recommended. In addition, mix a little superphosphate fertilizer in the bottom of the planting hole to promote strong new root growth. 


HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PERENNIALS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THEIR DIVISION:


DAYLILIES: Divisions can be made in the spring or fall. If divided in spring, do it just after the new growth has pushed through the ground. When divided and replanted properly, they will fill out well but may not have many blooms the first summer after dividing. Daylilies may need to be divided every 5-6 years.


  IRIS: It is best to divide iris right after flowering. When dividing, reduce the foliage height by half, cutting the leaves into a fan shape to conform to their usual appearance. A single fan of leaves can be planted but to have a nice flowering clump, set three fans in a triangle 10-12 inches apart with the fans facing the same direction. The shoulder (or top) of the rhizome should be only slightly covered with soil when it is planted. A well draining soil is very important.


  PEONIES: Peonies can sometimes be left 10-12 years without dividing. They are best divided and transplanted in the fall. Select divisions with 3-5 eyes (the pink buds on top of the clump) and discard the old woody sections. Enrich the soil with peat moss or compost and replant the clumps so that the eyes are about 1 1/2 inches below the soil surface.


PHLOX: Phlox can be divided in spring or fall, but autumn is better. They may need to be divided every 2-3 years. Keep 3-5 stemmed sections and discard the woody centers. Remember to plant them in a sunny location with enough space around them to provide good air circulation. This will help prevent the occurence of powdery mildew disease on the leaves.


HOSTA: Divisions can be done in the spring or fall. If dividing in spring, do it just after the new growth pokes through the soil. Ideally, each clump should consist of at least three healthy shoots.


LILY OF THE VALLEY: These plants are easily divided in spring or fall. Keep the strongest pips (divisions) and discard the oldest ones.


CHRYSANTHEMUM: Divide hardy mums in spring before the shoots begin to lengthen. Remember to pinch the new shoots back once or twice before July to force the new growth into a bushy form.