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Dividing aruncus

LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
in Plants
There is an aruncus growing right next to my fence, almost under it. I didn't plant it, so it's been there more than 13 years. Apart from the fact that it's right by the fence, it's also not in the best position visually (right behind a Viburnum bodnantense). I'd like to move it and divide it, but suspect I won't be able to dig it up fully  due to concrete gravel boards. How amenable is it to division? If I only manage to messily yank some of it out, do I risk killing it, or will it put up with that? I'd rather leave it where it is than kill it.
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
- Cicero

Posts

  • yorkshireroseyorkshirerose Posts: 574
    You should be able to 'chop a bit off, which will hopefully have a decent root and either pot it up to grow on or replant immediately elsewhere. You will probably the piece you are unable to get, due to the gravel boards, will regrow and may need digging out bit by bit as and when you can to weaken it.
    A gardener's work is never at an end  - (John Evelyn 1620-1706)
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I looked at mine, with a view to division, it was like concrete at the base and I went away, defeated


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Thanks both. Yorkshirerose, I don't mind if some grows back where it is - it doesn't seem to be causing any problems. I'd just like to divide it or move it to a place where it can actually be seen - when it flowers, the Viburnum is in full leaf and the Aruncus is all but invisible. But I didn't want to rick killing it. Nutcutlet, I will give it a try and might try to saw through it! It's been there long enough to have a major root system :/
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    You could try splitting it with a mattock, perhaps...
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I don't have a mattock. I do wonder if I should just leave it be... :sunglasses:
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I got it out! It wasn't too bad, actually. However, there was no splitting it for love nor money - absolutely rock hard lump, even a knife made no impression. So I've just moved it to a better position - I only hope I didn't damage it too much in my failed efforts at division. Time will tell.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're pretty tough LG - so it'll probably be fine  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Hope so - treat 'em mean.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
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