Dividing plants is one of the simplest and most rewarding tasks for gardeners, and doing it in the fall sets you up for a beautiful and lush spring garden. When you divide plants, you not only help them thrive but also get the chance to propagate new plants for free. Here are six plants that are ideal for dividing this fall to give you a stunning garden come springtime.
1. Hostas
Hostas are a garden favorite, especially for shaded areas, thanks to their lush foliage and wide variety of textures. These plants grow in clumps and can get overcrowded over time, which may hinder their growth. Dividing hostas in the fall will rejuvenate them and help prevent disease and pests from taking over the crowded roots. Simply dig up the plant, separate the roots into smaller sections, and replant them in well-drained soil. By spring, you’ll have vibrant, healthy hostas in multiple spots in your garden.
2. Daylilies
Daylilies are one of the easiest plants to divide, and doing it in the fall gives them plenty of time to settle before the next growing season. Daylilies produce beautiful blooms in a variety of colors and are known for being low-maintenance. Over time, they can form large, thick clumps that start to look tired or produce fewer flowers. To divide them, dig up the clump and use a spade or knife to separate the roots. Replant each division, ensuring it gets enough sunlight. By spring, your daylilies will be blooming stronger than ever.
3. Irises
Irises are another plant that thrives when divided every few years. They tend to grow in dense clumps, and when overcrowded, their blooms can become sparse or even non-existent. Fall is the perfect time to divide irises because they have just finished flowering and are entering their dormant phase. Gently dig up the iris clump, cut the rhizomes into sections, and ensure that each division has at least one healthy bud. Replant these divisions in well-drained soil, and come spring, you’ll have vibrant irises once again.
4. Peonies
Peonies are known for their stunning, fragrant blooms, which are a garden favorite in late spring and early summer. They tend to become more vigorous and beautiful with age, but after a few years, they may benefit from division. Fall is the ideal time to divide peonies because they are entering dormancy, and their roots are ready for the process. When dividing, use a sharp knife to cut the root ball into smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least one healthy eye (bud). Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, and you’ll be rewarded with even more spectacular flowers come spring.
5. Sedum
Sedum, also known as “autumn joy,” is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that adds texture and color to the garden. This plant grows in clumps, and over time, it can become leggy or overcrowded. Dividing sedum in the fall is simple just dig up the clump, separate the roots, and replant the divisions in well-drained soil. Since sedum is slow to grow in the cooler months, it will have plenty of time to establish itself before the following spring. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll have a fuller, healthier sedum plant with more vibrant blooms.
6. Chives
Chives are a must-have herb in any garden, offering both culinary and ornamental benefits. Their delicate, purple flowers and flavorful leaves are perfect for the kitchen and make great additions to salads, soups, and garnishes. Over time, chives tend to form dense clumps and may stop producing as vigorously as they once did. Dividing chives in the fall encourages fresh growth in the spring. Simply dig up the clump, separate it into smaller sections, and replant them in a sunny, well-drained spot. Come spring, you’ll have an abundant harvest of fresh chives ready for your cooking.
Conclusion
Dividing plants in the fall is a straightforward gardening task that helps improve plant health and ensures a vibrant, thriving garden in the spring. Hostas, daylilies, irises, peonies, sedum, and chives are all plants that benefit from division in the fall. By giving them space to grow and flourish, you can enjoy a lush garden with more flowers, foliage, and fragrance. Plus, dividing plants offers an excellent opportunity to expand your garden with new divisions at no extra cost. So grab your shovel, roll up your sleeves, and start dividing your plants this fall you’ll be amazed at the results come spring!