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Fall is a great time to divide some perennials so they will be more productive and looking good come spring. It sounds daunting, but it’s really pretty simple.
My quick tips -
- Pull apart root clumps (you may need to cut some thick ones), leaving 2-3 shoots per segment
- Plant in new location (never hurts to work in a bit of compost or fertilizer if needed)
- Water thoroughly for several weeks
I divide my iris and daylily in the fall, if necessary. My tall phlox and lily of the valley I thin. These are both really hard to dig completely up and the roots are dense. I selectively thin them instead.
Get more tips on dividing perennials at the University of Illinois Extension Web site.
While you’re at it, this would be a good time to lift any tender bulbs and tubers like dahlia, canna lily, caladium, and begonias for overwintering.
General storage tips for overwintering tender bulbs, rhizomes and tubers -
- Keep dry and above freezing temps – mine do fine in my cool basement.
- Store them loosely in newspaper, a paper bag or peat moss so they don’t hold moisture and grow mold.
- Label them! I don’t know how many times I didn’t do this [thinking I'd remember
] and had no idea what I had come spring.
More on storing non-hardy bulbs can be found at BirdsandBlooms.com
What fall tasks are you doing in your yard and garden?
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I have learned to put bulbs in a pair of panty hose, knee hi’s are great. The air gets to them and they are perfect the next year when you go to plant them. And yes, for sure, label them.
Jane
Oh – I love that idea, Jane. Thanks!
Can I cut a Bush down now to the ground?
What type of bush, Gail?
I am just a beginner at careing for perennials, dividing, etc…..Also, a question – We live about 60 miles east of St. Louis, Mo. what zone would you say I am. I have some azelia – in gallon pots – is it too late to put them in the ground?
I believe you’re in Zone 6, Nelpha. Here’s a link to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for your area so you can be sure: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-sm1.html
It looks like May might be the best time to put your azaleas in the ground. Here’s more info from your extension Web site: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6511#Azalea
can I divide hosta’s too?
Absolutely! Dave.
They often don’t skip a beat.
I just cleared my lawn in the country of some turkey feathers. They are so pretty. We had quite a few roosting in our trees which was the first time for me to see this. They did thrash through the branches.
Very cool, Hilde. I’ve noticed in the neighboring wooded areas around our town, I’m seeing more and more turkeys. Very fun to watch.
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