Perennial plants bring lasting beauty to your garden, with blooms that return year after year. If you have perennials in your garden, dividing them can lead to incredible growth.

“Dividing perennials stops overcrowding and revives plants to produce additional blooms and healthier development,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery in Altamont, Tennessee. Why is that? Because the practice allows plants to grow deeper roots and absorb more nutrients from the soil.

If you want to cultivate more perennial plants, these tips will help you know when and how to divide perennials for a lush garden that returns for years to come. 

When You Should Divide Your Perennials

According to Sons, the optimal time for dividing perennials typically falls during the spring and fall seasons, specifically early in the seasons to minimize stress on the plants and allow them to establish new roots before extreme temperatures hit.

Ultimately though, Sons say it is highly dependent on the species. “Perennials such as daylilies and hostas flourish when divided early in spring,” she says. “Irises achieve better results with division in late summer.”

In general, it’s best to divide your perennial plants when they are not in bloom. “Dividing it distracts it from producing flowers,” explains Lorraine Ballato, horticulturist and instructor at the New York Botanical Garden. “For example, you would divide a peony in the fall, as late spring/early summer is the time it flowers, and in fall, it re-energizes after the stresses of summer, when it just hangs on.”

Tips for Dividing Perennials

If you need a little guidance on how to divide your perennials, here we share tips for doing so with the least amount of stress possible on your plants.

Check for Overcrowding

Watch for signs of overcrowding in your perennials, including fewer blooms, dead spots, and spreading out into other areas. If your plants are overcrowded, dividing them will give them more space.

Completely Dig Up the Plant

“The easiest way to divide a perennial is to completely dig up the plant,” says Laura Janney, CEO of the Inspired Garden. “Shake off any extra soil and take off any dead parts.” For larger plants, take a sharp spade and cut it in half, aiming for one hard and clean slice, Janney advises. For smaller plants, use a knife and trim extra long roots. Then, immediately replant the perennial and water it well.

Use Sharp Tools

Use a sharp tool to divide your perennials. “A sharp spade or garden fork should be used to lift plants during division to ensure each division maintains a robust root system,” Sons says. 

Keep Newly Divided Sections Shaded and Moist

Water your newly divided plants well and keep them in a shaded area. “Newly divided sections should remain shaded and moist for several days to minimize transplant shock,” Sons says.

Make Sure Your Plants Are Already in Good Health

Before dividing, nourish your plants with extra water and make sure they’re in a healthy state. This will give your plants the best chance at rebounding from the stress of replanting. “Never divide when a plant is stressed,” Janney says. “It’s always a good idea to keep the plant well-watered a few days before.”

Give Your Perennials Plenty of Water

“Watering is key to the success of a transplant,” Janney says. “Monitor the plants carefully. You just disrupted the root system of an established plant. Give extra water slowly around the base. If you see the plant in stress (such as drooping), give it some extra water.”

Avoid Transplanting a Blooming Plant

Blooming perennials need more resources to nourish their blooms. Only divide perennials that are not in bloom as they have the most resilience.