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Talkback: Dividing perennials

Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
in Talkback
I find I have to lift and divide primulas at least every third year else they disappear altogether. I open to "my public" for the very first time tomorrow so it can bucket down with rain from Wednesday night onwards. Wish me luck everyone, as I do want to show that gardening is a healthy,happy, useful thing for an octogenarian to indulge in.
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  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Thanks happymarion, and wishing you a really enjoyable garden opening. I'm sure you've been very busy preparing, so I've no doubt your garden is looking stunning!

    I know we're desperate for rain, but I'll refrain from the rain dance until the end of the week to avoid soaking your visitors.

    And yes, primulas are another perennial that benefits from regular lifting and dividing. It's amazing how many new plants you'll produce to give away too.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    It's to rain from thursday onwards, so a little relief for gardeners.
    I have only been gardening for 3 years and I'm a bit nervous over lifting and dividing in case I do the wrong thing. I have a large clump of Aquilegia's. Do I divide them while growing or in the winter?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    When is the best time to divide phlox. I have two or three huge mounds which look great now - can I split them now or should I wait?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Reply to Boabd: I've always found Aquilegia (columbine) to be quite short-lived, so have never divided them. However, I do let them set seed, and seedlings pop-up everywhere. These can be lifted and transplanted to a better position at any time.

    Reply to Carla: Yes, phlox just spreads, and can become quite invasive as it outgrows its 'allotted' space. It's probably a bit too tall to lift and divide now. I'd usually do this in February/March, before shoots start forming, which would be damaged during division. However, this could be done in autumn in milder districts and those on light, free-draining soil.

    If I were you Carla I'd enjoy them this year and divide them early next year.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Thanks Adam for the prompt response ... will enjoy and conquer next year :-)
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I have lifted and separated enough plants to sell at local May Day Celebrations to raise money for local Youth Rugby Team, with still some left over to replant. Great way to make more plants for free do your bit for the community. People always love a plant stall. Made £150.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Well done HeritageHUB. What a fantastic outcome – and all from plants you'd divided. Now that should be an inspiration for others to have a go.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    ive spent all day today doing just this...dividing plants.....and im frozen its still cold with this wind,tomorrow hopefully i will finish it all,then i need to finish the new pond im doing,as for rain well i hope it rains friday onwards .... getting some turfs delivered so the heavens can do the watering...


    good luck to happymarion.....i thought you were showing your garden,something i would love to do , i just dont know enough regarding plants,plus i think garden size has to be a certain size,,,is yours in the 'yellow book',i think thats what its called......
    anyway all the best.x
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Not in the yellow book yet. Small clubs visiting this year, an Olympic project next year for a much bigger club, then we shall see. Thank you, sarah's pondlife and Adam for your good wishes. My garden is looking sensational and lots of birds,bees and butterflies. my fox is looking Quizzically at me as i seem to be invading his terratory a lot with all the extra work and to-ing and fro-ing. The cakes turned out perfectly and the weather is set fair on my new garden barometer. It is quite exciting and I am really looking forward to it. Must have a plant sale next year - plants divided this year and potted up should be a good size by then.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Most of my perennials were taken from my old garden and replanted in our current garden last year. I haven't divided them this year either but by your article I think I should get away with it? Next year I will certainly make a point of some serious division in my perennial beds!
    Thanks for the advice as always very valuable and gives us something else to consider!

    http://higgysgardenproject.blogspot.com/
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