Dividing Perennials in Spring

nickoslesteros · 23 February

Hello!

As the title says, and more to the point, what does a gardener actually call Spring? 1st March, Equinox, or something more specific to their local climate and environment.

When do you think is the earliest I can think about dividing clumps of perennials?

Cheers!

Loxley · 23 February

Except for the really tough plants, my rule of thumb, if they are showing signs of growth, it's safe to divide. It's easier to see where the growth points are, and there's less risk of slightly more tender plants rotting off due to sitting in the wet soil. Generally late March is a good time for a lot of things but as you say, it will vary depending on the environment and the specific plant. It also depends on how you are dividing. If you are creating small divisions that you will have to keep a close eye on, you will probably be more attentive to timing and weather conditions than if you are hacking off huge clumps of an established colony.

Fairygirl · 24 February

Spring for me is when the ground is warming up sufficiently, and temps are a bit more consistently above zero, so definitely according to your location and climate.
I don't split anything until May.

Busy-Lizzie · 24 February

Gosh, May is late @Fairygirl! Shows what a difference it makes living in Scotland or the south. Both my gardens, OH's in Norfolk and mine in SW France are in full swing by May.
Late March/early April works for me with a lot of plants.

Fairygirl · 24 February

April is generally too cold and wet @Busy-Lizzie. If it was something tough, that I'd had growing in my garden for a good while, I might do it, but it's always safer to wait.
Mid to end of April might be ok in a good spell of weather, and with those tougher plants, but I'd rather make sure the plants had a good chance of thriving.

floralies · 24 February

I don't divide anything until spring down here, further south than @Busy-Lizzie, things just sulk all winter and probably die. I have already been dividing in February as it has been so mild but who knows it may snow again in April like it did last year!

Bee witched · 24 February

I've already split some clumps of sedum autumn joy .... they are tough as old boots with me. I've got loads of them so it won't matter if I lose any.
I'm also in Scotland .... but we've had a long spell of quite dry and sunny weather here so I took my chance.

Bee x

Plantminded · 24 February

I cut all my deciduous grasses down last week and the next day there was visible new growth. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks before dividing them though as the soil's still cold, wet and this morning it was frosted!

nickoslesteros · 24 February

Really useful set of replies. Thank you all.

I'm NW England on the coast, with a more mild winter martirme climate. Not sure we've seen sub zero here more than once or twice.

I've got a load of kniphofia which needs attention. Do you think it would be ok to cut back the foliage now, and split that in a few weeks?

Fairygirl · 24 February

Snowing here yesterday, and hail @Bee witched

Several spells, before turning back to sleet/rain, although there was a bit of sun and wind mid/later afternoon.
Frosty/ice here today too @Plantminded. Short lived and only down to 0 degrees, so barely noticeable. Nice when I was out my walk earlier, because there's no wind to speak of, so any sun was lovely, althogh it's a bit cloudy as well

Loxley · 24 February

I would take an educated guess that Kniphofia would probably best be left until the weather is a bit milder, as they are from S. Africa.

Dividing Perennials in Spring

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