Fall is the perfect time to divide and transplant your perennials, setting the stage for a burst of growth come spring! I know, it might seem counterintuitive to start moving things around just as the garden is winding down, but trust me—your plants will thank you. Dividing perennials in the fall helps rejuvenate tired clumps, encourages healthier growth, and gives them a head start by allowing roots to establish before winter sets in. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to propagate your favorite plants without spending a dime!
Dividing and transplanting in the fall also reduces transplant shock, as cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provide the ideal conditions for plants to settle into their new homes. Whether you’re dealing with overcrowded flower beds or simply want to spread some of your favorite blooms to new areas, fall is the time to get your hands dirty. Let’s explore some of the best perennials to divide now, along with tips to ensure they thrive and delight you with their beauty come spring!
Daylilies: The Sunshine Lovers
Daylilies are one of my favorite perennials to divide in the fall because they’re incredibly hardy and forgiving. Native to Asia, these sun-loving plants can handle a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and they thrive in various soil types. I’ve found that daylilies tend to become overcrowded after a few years, leading to fewer blooms. Dividing them in the fall gives them a fresh start, resulting in more vibrant flowers next season!
To divide daylilies, simply dig up the entire clump and gently separate the fans of leaves, ensuring each division has a good section of roots attached. Replant them at the same depth they were growing before, and water well to help them settle in. Daylilies are not invasive, but they do spread, so give them enough space to grow. By dividing them now, you’ll encourage new growth and enjoy a burst of color in the spring garden!
Hostas: The Shade-Loving Beauties
Hostas are another perennial that benefits greatly from being divided in the fall. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, hostas thrive in shady gardens and add a lush, green texture with their wide, beautiful leaves. If your hostas are looking a bit crowded or the centers are starting to die out, it’s a good sign they need dividing. I know it can be a bit of a chore, but once you get going, it’s actually quite satisfying!
When dividing hostas, dig up the entire clump and use a sharp spade or knife to cut through the roots, ensuring each division has a few eyes (the growing points) and a good amount of roots. Replant the divisions in a shady spot with rich, well-draining soil, and keep them well-watered to help them establish. Hostas are not invasive, but they do spread slowly over time, making them perfect for filling those tough shady spots where other plants struggle. You’ll be rewarded with lush growth and beautiful leaves in no time!
Bearded Iris: The Show-Stopping Drama Queens
Bearded irises are stunning perennials that produce breathtaking blooms, but they do need a little TLC every few years. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, these sun-loving plants prefer well-drained soil and can become overcrowded if left undivided. I find that dividing bearded irises in the fall not only helps them produce more blooms in spring but also prevents issues like rot and disease that can develop in congested clumps.
To divide bearded irises, carefully lift the rhizomes from the soil and trim away any dead or damaged sections. Cut the leaves back to about six inches to reduce water loss and replant the healthy rhizomes in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Make sure to plant them shallowly, with the tops of the rhizomes just above the soil surface. Bearded irises are not invasive, but they do spread, so give them room to grow. Dividing them in the fall will help ensure a stunning display of flowers next year!
Coneflowers: The Pollinator Favorites
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are some of the best plants for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden. Native to North America, these sun-loving perennials are incredibly resilient and can handle a range of conditions, from poor soils to drought. I love coneflowers because they’re so low-maintenance and bring so much color and life to the garden. If you’ve noticed your coneflowers are looking a bit crowded or aren’t blooming as much as they used to, it’s time to divide them!
To divide coneflowers, dig up the clump carefully and separate it into smaller sections, making sure each division has several stems and a good root system. Replant the divisions in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and water them in well. Coneflowers are not invasive, but they do self-seed, so you may find new plants popping up around the garden. By dividing them now, you’ll encourage more robust growth and enjoy a flurry of flowers that will delight both you and the local pollinators!
Ornamental Grasses: The Wind Dancers
Ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to any garden, adding texture, movement, and year-round interest. Many varieties, like Miscanthus and Panicum, are native to North America and Asia, and they thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Over time, however, these grasses can become dense and lose their vigor. Dividing them in the fall is a great way to rejuvenate the plants, encourage fresh growth, and keep them looking their best. Plus, it’s so satisfying to watch them dance in the wind once they’re settled in!
To divide ornamental grasses, dig up the clump and use a sharp spade or saw to cut it into smaller sections. Make sure each division has a good amount of roots and shoots. Replant them at the same depth they were growing before, and water thoroughly. Ornamental grasses are not invasive, but some can spread if left unchecked, so consider placing them where they have room to grow. By dividing them now, you’ll ensure a beautiful, flowing garden display next spring!
Peonies: The Old-Fashioned Charmers
Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant blooms and lush foliage, but they do need a little attention every decade or so to keep them thriving. Native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America, peonies are known for their longevity, with some plants living for over 50 years! If your peonies are blooming less or seem crowded, fall is the perfect time to divide them. I know it can feel intimidating to dig up such cherished plants, but trust me—it’s worth it!
To divide peonies, carefully dig up the clump, trying not to damage the roots, and use a clean, sharp knife to divide it into sections, making sure each division has three to five “eyes” (the buds where new growth emerges) and a healthy root system. Replant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, keeping the eyes no more than two inches below the surface. Peonies are not invasive, and once they’re settled, they don’t like to be disturbed, so make sure to give them a good, permanent home. You’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms year after year!
Black-Eyed Susans: The Cheerful Companions
Black-eyed Susans, or Rudbeckia, are cheerful perennials that light up the garden with their sunny yellow flowers and dark centers. Native to North America, these plants are fantastic for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and even birds that feed on their seeds. I find that black-eyed Susans tend to spread quickly, which makes them perfect for dividing and transplanting in the fall. It’s a great way to fill bare spots in your garden or share with friends!
To divide black-eyed Susans, dig up the clump and carefully separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each one has a good root system and several stems. Replant the divisions in a sunny location with well-drained soil and water them in well. While black-eyed Susans can spread, they are not considered invasive, so you can enjoy their bright blooms without worry. Dividing them now will ensure a robust display next year, and they’ll provide a long season of color for both you and the local wildlife.
By dividing and transplanting your perennials in the fall, you’re setting the stage for a garden that will burst with growth and color come spring. Each of these plants brings unique beauty and benefits, whether they’re attracting pollinators, dancing in the breeze, or adding structure and texture to your landscape. Don’t be afraid to get in there and give your plants the room they need to thrive—you’ll be amazed at the results!
