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Dividing Stipa tenuissima

Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
in Plants
Hello,

I'm planning on making some changes to a border later this year. Swapping a few things out (going for more drought tolerant plants!) and dividing a few perennials. One job I need to do is divide some Stipa Tenuissima I planted a year or two ago, as I want to dot more of them throughout the border. I have five at the moment and would like maybe 10-12.

I know that the perceived wisdom is to do this in early spring, however it would be a lot easier if I could do it this year as that's when I'll be moving/planting everything else. I don't want to have to overwinter the new plants I have in pots and then do everything in spring. 

Does anyone have any experience dividing these grasses in late summer/autumn, if so, did they cope ok, or am I really best to leave them until spring? 

Thank you in advance

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Mine seed themselves all over the place, never bother with dividing, have more than enough!
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Robert West I agree with @Buttercupdays You often find they seed and in time these seedlings make better plants. I think there is a risk dividing them now, the roots won't establish before autumn arrives and yes here you could risk killing them. Personally I would wait until spring.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
    Thanks for your advice. I guess I'll have to be patient. I might try and move them if they are in the way but will leave the chopping til spring. 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    In my experience grasses sulk if divided in autumn so wait till spring, by which time you'll also see if there are any seedlings about.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2022
    These are semi-evergreen grasses, depending on your local conditions, so if you need to divide them now to create space, do it when the soil is moist and still warm.  It's best to wait until spring to divide them though. They are tough plants and shallow rooted.  You could reduce the height by a couple of inches too if they are floppy.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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