Why we Divide Perennials in the Fall
Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Divide and Plant Perennials
If you’ve been gardening for a little while, you may have heard that fall is a great time to divide perennials and plant bare root perennials.
Let’s break down why dividing perennials and planting bare root perennials in the fall is such a smart move for your garden.
What are Perennials?
First, a quick refresher: perennials are plants that live for more than two years. Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted each year, perennials will come back season after season. The above-ground plant parts will likely die back to the ground in the winter, but their roots survive, allowing them to regrow once the warmer months returns.
Why Do Perennials Need to Be Divided?
Over time, many perennials can spread and grow into larger clumps. While this can create a full, lush garden, it can also lead to overcrowding. When perennials become overcrowded, they can start to compete for resources like water and nutrients, leading to weaker growth and fewer blooms.
Dividing perennials is a way to keep your plants healthy by giving them more space to grow. It also offers an opportunity to propagate your plants—meaning you can grow more of the plants you love by dividing one large plant into several smaller ones.
Why is Fall the Best Time to Divide Perennials?
While perennials can be divided in the spring or fall, fall is often considered the ideal time, and here’s why:
1. Cooler Temperatures Reduce Stress
During the fall, the weather cools down, which reduces the stress on plants. The hot summer sun is gone, and the cooler temperatures make it easier for plants to focus on root development rather than top growth.
When you divide a perennial, you’re disturbing its roots. This can be stressful for the plant, therefore, dividing plants in the fall gives the plant plenty of time to settle in before winter arrives.
2. Roots Can Establish Before Winter
After dividing, your perennials will have the fall season to develop strong root systems. This gives them a head start for the following spring.
In spring, plants are focused on growing leaves, stems, and flowers, but in the fall, their energy is directed toward root growth. Dividing in the fall allows the plant to establish itself without the distraction of producing new top growth.
3. Less Competition from Weeds
Fall is also a time when weed growth tends to slow down. Dividing and planting perennials in the fall gives your plants a better chance to settle in without having to compete as much with weeds for nutrients and space.
4. Spring Showers Help New Growth
When spring arrives, the soil is naturally moist from winter snowmelt or spring rains. This moisture helps the newly divided plants grow quickly and vigorously. By dividing in the fall, you set your plants up for success when spring’s ideal conditions arrive.
How to Divide Perennials in the Fall
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to dividing your perennials:
Choose the right plants: Not all perennials need dividing, but common plants like hostas, daylilies, and irises benefit from it every 3-5 years.
Dig up the plant: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig around the plant, loosening the soil. Lift the entire plant out of the ground.
Separate the clumps: Gently pull the plant apart by hand or use a sharp knife or spade to divide it into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and at least a few stems or buds.
Replant immediately: Place the divisions back into the garden right away. Space them out so they have room to grow and thrive. Water them thoroughly after replanting.
Conclusion
Dividing perennials and planting bare root perennials in the fall is one of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy, vibrant garden. By taking advantage of cooler temperatures and the plant’s natural growth cycle, you give them the best chance to establish strong roots and prepare for a beautiful display come spring.
Happy gardening! 🌿
~Ashton
