Divide and replant in spring

For some plants, division is best done in spring. Division is useful for three main reasons - size control, rejuvenation, and propagation. Some plants are quite vigorous and can crowd out neighboring plants if left alone. Others begin to decline in vigour if not divided.

With the mass of roots exposed, identify a spot where an offshoot can be separated from the plant near the base, or where the plant can be split into two or more equal parts.

A variety of tools can be used to assist in dividing plants. Many people use a sharp knife, scissors or garden pruners. A special plant-dividing knife with a serrated blade used with two garden forks are ideal for dividing most types of plants. These tools are available from garden centers. Whichever tool is used, it is best to make clean cuts whenever possible. Avoid tearing or ripping roots. Roots heal more efficiently from clean cuts rather than jagged tears.

If using a knife, use the tip of the blade to carefully pry an offshoot-section loose at a natural dividing-point at the plant base. With the separation made at the base, carefully pull apart the sections with two forks. The divided sections can then be re-potted or replanted individually. Add potting soil around the roots and water the plant to get it started. Place the newly separated plants in a shaded area for a few days to allow it to recover from the shock of the separation procedure.