Why Divide Perennials?
Most perennials benefit from being divided every few years. If they are not divided, these perennial clumps can die out in the middle–the section that contained previous foliage–leaving a bare hole, which in turn promotes fungal disease and insect infestations. The soil nutrients around the clump may also become exhausted, a condition which could be helped by the introduction of an organic fertilizer, as well as division. These conditions reduce plant vigor by having the plant appear stunted which produces fewer and smaller flowers.
An added benefit would be to add an organic fertilizer. The best part about dividing perennials is that you have more of the same variety of plants you started with in your perennial border. With the plant breeders cultivating many new colors and varieties each year, it may be hard to remember exactly what plant variety you originally had!
Perennial gardens are dynamic. They change with the season. Each perennial emerges from the ground, grows, and flowers at its own special time- some early, some late. Unlike annuals, which usually bloom for a long time, perennials bloom for about 6 weeks, depending on the species. By carefully selecting plants with a variety of bloom times, your garden will change through the growing season and you’ll always have something in flower.
In addition to a wide variety of flower colors and forms, many perennials have attractive foliage that adds an interesting visual aesthetic even when they are not in flower. The textures and colors of the foliage against the huge leaves of hosta or straplike leaves of a daylily add depth to any perennial border.
Please contact us if you think any of your own perennials may be in need of dividing. We would be happy to discuss ways to improve the foliage and beauty of your perennial garden.
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