Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
A warm fall has gifted us with an extended gardening season, allowing more time for those unfinished tasks. Fortunately, fall is the perfect time for transplanting perennials. After summer, you can analyze what worked and what did not. You may realize that the phlox and asters grew quite tall and should have been planted towards the back of the garden. Or you may have pitied your poor hydrangea that couldn’t keep up with the blazing direct summer sun and should be moved to a place that receives morning sun but afternoon shade. In my own garden, plants are constantly on the move, since I am always tweaking things. My friend Esther and I used to joke that our plants should have wheels because we were always moving them around.
Over time, perennials can spread or grow to the point that they are no longer living to their full potential and need to be divided. You may notice that your plant is producing fewer flowers or that the center of the plant has become hollow. This is a sign that it is time to divide the plant to keep it healthy. Certain perennials such as irises will multiply to the point that they are overcrowded and need to be thinned out. This is a perfect time to share with a friend or have a plant swap. When dividing a plant, a spade should be your tool of choice. Though it’s a bit of tough love, slicing right though an overgrown daylily or hosta will be best for your plant and turn one old plant into two or three new plants. Sometimes, it is easier to dig out the entire plant and divide it while it is out of the ground. Of course, every time you divide or transplant a perennial, you will lose some of the roots in the process. Make sure you dig deeply to retain as many roots as possible. Be especially careful with plants that have a long taproot; you don’t want to cut it short.
For the best success in your transplant, choose a cloudy day that isn’t too hot. Dig the new hole deep enough and wide enough that the roots can easily spread in the soil. It’s a good idea to dig the new hole before digging up the plant. That way you don’t waste any time and risk the plant drying out. Place the transplant into the new hole and flood it with water before backfilling. Once you have added the soil back into the hole, tamp it down and add more water. I like to schedule my “moving day” right before rain is in the forecast. Then you know your new plant is going to receive a nice housewarming to welcome it to its new home. It’s also a good idea to give the intended plant a thorough watering the day before its big move. Cut off any damaged or diseased parts of the perennial, since these will draw valuable energy away from the plant. A healthier plant will be able to keep its focus on producing strong roots before winter freezes begin.
Don’t be alarmed if your transplant looks a little haggard at first. Your plant will probably experience a little bit of shock, but keeping it well-watered will minimize the effects. Dividing perennials in fall will give them months to recover and develop roots before blooming in spring or summer. A nice layer of mulch around your transplant will help it conserve water and protect the roots from winter’s cold.
A “good move” in the garden can be very gratifying. Sometimes one move begets another, but eventually, you know that you have found the perfect new spot for your plants. Change can be hard, but eventually we can see the wisdom of spreading our roots and flourishing in our new space. We would love to hear from our readers. Which plants have you successfully divided or transplanted? Send your comments or questions to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
