How to Split Hosta and Other Hardy Perennials Like a Boss
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The cooler temperatures and beauty of fall are officially here. This window is a time to get busy for gardeners as we have one last go at landscaping our yards before the freezing temperatures roll in with the winter season. There is the task of tackling any overgrown landscape and the opportunity to add in fall colors with the addition of perennials.
Compared to annuals, perennials' inherent beauty is that they do not need to be re-planted each year because they live on a cycle. They have a callous root system and either die back or go dormant during certain times of the year. I love how they naturally come about as beautiful, or even more so, the following growth season! Maybe I'm just a sucker for rebirth, but hey, who isn't?
There are hundreds of perennials to choose from, so it can be overwhelming to select a few for your yard. My advice is to choose a "hardy" perennial that offers beauty and reliability as it easily adapts to adverse growth conditions and, thus, is easy on the pocketbook! As pictured above, my favorite hardy perennials include Hosta, Chrysanthemum (also known as "Mums" —not shown), and Hydrangea. Depending on your zone, each of these perennials generally lasts three or more seasons and require varying amounts of sun. This information makes them perfect for most yards. Hosta, in particular, performs very well in the shade.
How Often Should You Split Perennials (Frequency)?
As pictured above, after a couple of seasons, your perennials may grow vast and bountiful. While some may love this fuller look, unfortunately, overcrowding leads to poor growth patterns as there is less space for the flowers and plants to grow adequately. In some instances, you may also notice that a perennial allowed to grow over many years may develop a bare hole in the center that will look unbecoming in your yard.
In general, follow these splitting guidelines for my perennial favorites:
· Hosta every 3–4 years
· Mums every 2–3 years
· Hydrangea, 1–2 years
What Time of Year Do You Split Perennials?
The timing of the split is as important as the frequency you split them. As a rule, dividing your perennials in early to late spring or early fall is best. It will be easy to detect in the spring when the roots and buds are just beginning to push through the soil or in the fall when they are starting to die off. When split in the spring, this allows a full growing season for the perennial to recover before it goes dormant in the winter.
I should mention my truth, I usually split my Hosta after they have fully bloomed, typically late spring, early summer, because I like to see how big they're going to be. This practice helps me to determine how many pieces I can split the Hosta in to. Other gardeners choose to do this practice as well, but you'll have to decide what works best for you!
It should also be noted there are subtle differences in the recommendations for splitting Hydrangea as well. There are about five predominant types of Hydrangea here in the United States. So, the splitting of these is also dependent upon the species. Depending on the climate and when your Hydrangeas go into bloom, you should probably wait until late fall to do any splitting.
Let's get started splitting perennials!
Here, I'll discuss the steps for dividing each perennial and the special care needed to keep these blooming year after year. Not only will your yard look top-notch, but you'll also be the envy of all your neighbors!
Step 1 — Gather Tools and Materials
As you begin the splitting process for any of the above perennials, tools are a must! You don't want to start digging and then have to make multiple trips back and forth to the shed because of items you failed to grab initially. Here is what you'll need as you begin:
In addition to your spade, select at least one more of these: hand shovel, hand saw, or fork. You'll also need:
· Wheelbarrow
· Compost/Fertilizer
· Mulch
· Gloves
Step 2 — DIG UP YOUR EXISTING PLANT
Before you start digging, clear the mulch in the existing bed. It makes digging more manageable and allows space for the transplanted pieces of the plant/flower (once split) to go directly into the new ground.
As pictured above, be sure to look around the existing plant to ensure there are no large tree roots or obstructions. If you do identify any obstacles, you'll need to remove these before you move forward.
Place your tool of choice (shovel or spade) about 3 inches outside the perennial's base and begin to dig. You will want to dig a deep hole, perhaps 12 inches deep, to minimize damage to the root system. Make a circle as you go around the plant's perimeter to dig up the full root system.
Step 3 — ASSESS THE ROOTS
Clear away dirt to assess the health of the root system. Gently shake and brush off the base of the plant to remove any excess soil from the root. Removing extra dirt will make it easier to split the plant in the next step.
Slugs and snails like perennials; If you see damage at the root, start a monthly control system until the plant goes dormant in the fall.
Step 4 — USE YOUR TOOLS TO SPLIT THE PLANT
I prefer to use a shovel or spade to split perennials. I may lose a few leaves this way, but it's too few to miss. If you have a smaller perennial to be broken or prefer another tool, you may pull or cut the plant or split it using a trowel or knife.
Step 5 — RE-PLANT EACH SPLIT SECTION
It is now time to transplant the split sections of the plants! Dig a hole roughly double the width of the new root ball. Be careful not to go very deep; you want the new perennial crown to be level with the soil.
Allow 1–2 feet between each transplanted section. If you have compost, add it to the soil at this point before packing everything in. Drop the split perennial into the hole and pack the dirt loosely around the root ball, which will allow the root to spread out and take hold quickly.
Sometimes, I may pack the dirt a little tighter at the surface around the crown so the perennial can stand straight up.
If you do not have any compost or a favorite fertilizer, use an off-shelf product like Miracle-Gro plant food.
Step 6 — POST TRANSPLANTING AFTERCARE
Before you throw in the towel and head in for a shower, you'll want to clean up the area! Sweep and use your water hose to powerwash the walkway/work area. Next, you'll want to add mulch to help hold in the moisture, hold back the weeds, protect the root system, and make the new flower bed pop and overall look aesthetically beautiful.
YOUR PERENNIAL GARDEN IS NOW TRANSFORMED
As a practice, water the newly jazzed up flower bed daily for the next two weeks.
Add your lanterns and any other personal touches to make the yard cozy enough for your warm cider and a book. If you follow these simple steps, your neighbors will think you are a pro!
Each gardener becomes their best through learning (trial and error). So, don't be afraid to try different tools and approaches that work best for you. A combination of following the proper timing and splitting techniques will allow your garden to flourish.
I hope this blog has inspired you to run down to your nearest garden nursery! If so, before you grab your keys, watch my Garden with Me: Splitting and Transplanting Hosta video and Fall Landscape. In each of these, you will get a chance to see my front and backyard improvements! I even repair a splitting cherry blossom tree.
Seize the moment of the fall foliage and cold air and tackle an outdoor project too. I can't wait to see the beauty of your creation and hard work. Be sure to stop back here and leave me a comment and a photo so I can cheer on your progress!
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It's so important not to replicate what you find online or in design magazines solely. Instead, use different design imagery to inspire you to create a space that supports your family's values and function as a unit.
Be sure to check out my video Clean and Decorate with Me on my YouTube channel to learn more about me and all the exciting improvements we incorporated into our home! Then later, when you've made your improvements, come back, leave me a comment here or on my YouTube page and let me know how things turned out!