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As the days start to cool down and summer transitions into autumn, it’s a perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get your garden ready for the next blooming season. Late summer to early autumn is considered the best time for dividing and transplanting spring-blooming perennials. Why, you ask? Well, let’s dig into it!

Dividing perennials is essential for a few reasons:

• Healthier Plants: Over time, perennial plants can become crowded, leading to poor growth and fewer blooms. Dividing them helps rejuvenate their health and vitality.
• More Plants: Who doesn’t love free plants? Dividing allows you to create new plants to fill your garden or share with friends.
• Better Blooms: By spacing them out, you’re giving each plant room to thrive, which can result in more vibrant flowers come springtime.

Some perennials are better suited for dividing than others. Here are the heavy hitters you’ll want to focus on during this time:

1. Irises thrive on division every 3-5 years. By late summer or early autumn, their foliage begins to yellow, indicating that it’s time for a little TLC.
   Pro Tip: After digging them up, make sure to trim the leaves to about 6 inches to help them recover faster.
2. Peonies are a garden favorite, and they can live for decades! However, if you notice fewer blooms or a crowded plant, it’s time to divide.
   Pro Tip: Aim to dig them up in early autumn after the foliage has died back for the best results.
3. Hostas, you know, can grow like crazy. Dividing them every 3-4 years keeps them looking their best and prevents them from taking over.
   Pro Tip: They’re best divided in late summer when they’re actively growing, but before they start to fade.
4. Daylilies can quickly become overcrowded, so dividing them every few years is beneficial. Late summer is prime time for division since they’ve finished blooming.
   Pro Tip: When replanting, make sure to space them out properly to allow for their natural spread.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Water the Plants: A day before you start, give your plants a good drink. This helps reduce stress on the roots during the division process.
• Dig Carefully: Use a spade to dig around the plant, ensuring you get as many roots as possible. Gently lift it from the ground.
• Divide the Clumps: For larger plants, you might need a sharp spade or knife. Divide them into sections, making sure each piece has healthy roots and shoots.
• Replant Immediately: Place your divided sections into prepared soil right away to minimize shock. Make sure they’re planted at the same depth they were growing before.
• Water Generously: After planting, give them a good soak to help settle the soil around the roots.

Dividing and transplanting spring-blooming perennials in late summer or early autumn is not just a gardening chore; it’s an opportunity to enhance your garden and ensure vibrant blooms in the coming seasons. So grab your gardening gloves, embrace the joy of creating new plants, and enjoy the beautiful results of your hard work next spring! Happy gardening!