Helpful information
Timing: Varies by plant, most often done in spring or autumn
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden
Timing: Varies by plant, most often done in spring or autumn
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden
In gardening, dividing means taking a plant and splitting it into smaller sections.
It is mainly perennial plants that are divided. Perennials are plants that live for more than one growing season. Bigger plants, like shrubs, are usually propagated by taking cuttings instead, e.g. softwood cuttings. You can also divide the tubers of some plants, like dahlias.
Why divide perennials
There are a number of reasons why it’s a good idea to divide perennial plants. These include:
Which plants to divide
There are lots of perennial plants that are suitable for dividing. These are some of the most frequently done:
When to divide perennials
The best time for plant division can vary by plant. But, in general, the main times to divide perennials are:
It’s always a good idea to look up your specific plant to check if it's happy being divided and the best time to do it.
Essential tools
Optional tools
Follow these steps to divide your perennial plants with ease.
Step 1: Water well in advance
If the soil is dry, it can be hard to divide and lift your plant. Water the soil around it daily for several days before dividing. This will make it easier to do.
You may find a lightweight watering can with flat sides easier to manage than a round one. If you use a hose, some people find an expandable lightweight hose easier to use.
Step 2: Gather your equipment
Once you are ready to divide your perennial, gather all the equipment you need where you will be working. This will save multiple journeys.
Step 3: Dig around the plant
Using a garden fork or spade, dig all the way around and under the plant. You may need to go both wide and deep to avoid cutting the roots.
Gently lift the plant, leaving the soil around the roots. If you have a plastic sheet, you may want to put the plant on this ahead of dividing it.
Digging can be quick a vigorous task. Some people find lightweight border spades easier to use than a heavier digging spade.
If a plant is too big to manage, then ask for help.
Step 4: Divide the plant into smaller sections
How you do this next step will depend on the size and roots of your plant.
Smaller divisions will generally take longer to recover and reach flowering size.
If your plant has large, fibrous roots, you could use the two-fork approach. Insert two garden forks back-to-back in the centre of the plant. Push the handles apart to split the clump. Push on the metal section of the tool to avoid breaking the wooden handles.
Some plants, like heuchera and hosta, have smaller fibrous roots. They are generally too fragile for the two forks technique. You can gently tease these apart using one fork or a hand fork.
Some plants with woody or fleshy roots may need to be carefully cut using a spade or knife.
There is a slower method of division that may be easier than using two garden forks. Use a hand trowel to remove soil from roots a bit at a time. When the roots are exposed, use secateurs or loppers to cut the roots. Continue to the next section of roots until the plant is divided.
Step 5: Re-plant or pot up the divided plant
Your big perennial plant will now be in two or more pieces.
You could now re-plant the smaller sections directly into the ground in your garden. Dig a hole for each section that is roughly as deep as the one it came out of. Spread the roots out a little, place in the soil and backfill with compost.
Or, you could move the sections into individual pots. You will need pots and compost for this. You could then gift your potted perennials to others.
Keep your newly divided plants well watered. This will help them settle in their new spot.