Dividing perennials-Zone 5

cathyann

14 years ago

Can I start dividing perennials yet?

I am in Zone 5, Chicago 'burbs and this nice weather has given me spring fever with my gardening.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

coolplantsguy
14 years ago
If you see new growth emerging (e.g. Daylilies, Lilies, Hosta, Peonies, etc.), then go for it!
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
14 years ago
Regardless of zone, it is recommended to divide early blooming perennials in late summer or early fall and late season perennials in spring. That way, you tend not to interrupt or interfer with the bloom cycle. IME, one can divide hostas and daylilies pretty much any time you want as these are tough, hardy plants that take considerable abuse and still manage to do well and bloom!
Related Discussions
dividing in zone 5
Q
Comments (4)
I never start until July. Mostly because I was once told that they need time after blooming to just grow, but I know you can dig them even if they're in the middle of blooming and they do just fine. I try to have it all done by August, but even the start of September gives them enough time to establish before it gets cold here. Or at least cold enough to be a problem, considering that we can get snow in September here, but that's usually a warmer snow and doesn't bother the plants at all.
...See More
Divide giant Hosta now or fall? zone 5
Q
Comments (10)
It doesn't "revert" the leaves just don't grow as big without the root mass. When the root mass grows the size of the leaves will increase. Spring of 05 I had to move either a S and S or an Elegans. I just didn't believe they would be so big when I planted them in 01 or so. I chose the S and S....and my good neighbor muscled it out of the ground just as the eyes were poking through. Got no where near all the root ball. Left it sitting in a plastic bag in the shade for about 2 weeks, while I got the space prepared. It began to unfurl. Finally got it into the ground where it will live forever more. Nestled it in with some nice compost and watered the He!! out of it. It unfurled and was an impressive plant. Obviously a S and S big leaves etc....and I watered. Then in O6 it put out bigger leaves ( it was getting more sun in it's new spot)....and this year wow! Lushious big bright green hosta!....And I bought an Endless summer. I thought the blue would look lovely near the chartreuse....and put it in the ground about the 2nd week in June, about a foot away from the farther most leaf of the S and S....and it looked lovely!...until the hosta ate it! It's half covered by that S and S....think Endless will have to move in the spring! But I am sure I will injure the roots of the S and S....so maybe I'll just let it have the hydrangea for lunch...even though I am sure it would prefer a ground hog! Linda C
...See More
Im looking for rare edible perennials for zone 5
Q
Comments (21)
The idea of creative food sources is interesting, however the concept of striving to survive a predicted catastrophe centered around the plan of keeping others at bay is not so appealing-- if that is what this is about. It reminds me of the mindset of those who built cold war bomb shelters in the 1950's and todays militant groups who see other people as potential enemies and live in self preserving isolation on armed compounds. I posted that book as a bit of sarcasm since I interpreted what you wrote as meaning we weren't "getting it" (duh). Personally speaking, I am into people working together not keeping others out.
...See More
Overwintering a zone 7 perennial in zone 5
Q
Comments (5)
Have you ever heard of micro climate? Where is it planted? I've had a lot of success with plants not necessarily rated for my zone 5/6 in Indiana by providing a micro climate for them. Meaning the plant is protected from the elements on 2-3 sides....planted next to the house or other large structure. Top dress the soil with a thick layer of mulch. Do not cut back the plant till early spring. For years I'd dig up Canna bulbs and store in my garage. Then one fall/winter I was sick and didn't dig bulbs. To my surprise they not only survived our harsh winter but grew in the spring bigger and better than ever due to the micro climate provided by the house and other large perennials. Do a search on micro climates.....should make it more clear what I'm saying. Best of luck.
...See More
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
yep its time in z5 .... water them in properly ....

with the knowledge given by the others ...

ken
cathyann
Original Author
14 years ago
It was a large Brunnera, not sure which variety. It gets the most AWESOME bright blue blossoms.

I got about 10 transplants from 3-4 year old one plant, albeit small ones. But, it had a large, tough root system.

Fingers crossed.....

Thanks again!
buyorsell888
14 years ago
Keep it well watered and it should be fine. Mine sulked when I divided it but all divisions did survive. Love Brunnera.
mxk3 z5b_MI
14 years ago
My brunnera are coming up now, shouldn't be too much longer of a wait for that sky-blue haze of flowers!

It's fine to divide the brunnera any time now, though obviously I would wait until after the spring show is over if it were me (but if not, that's fine too).
pitimpinai
14 years ago
I do a lot of division about this time of year until the temp hits 70 or so. I don't like to divide them when temp climbs too high.
I don't like to do much division in late fall either because of the unpredictability of hard frost.
The heat wave we are experiencing is throwing me off kilter, though. This is way too warm too soon.

PS. The ground below the surface is still soggy, though. You may need to wait a bit until it dries up some more.
whaas_5a
14 years ago
gardengal what would you consider an early blooming perrenial? Something that blooms June or earlier?

I transplanted several perennials today and divided a Shasta Daisy...after the fact I was wondering if I should have done it (the dividing)...sure it will be fine.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Top 12 Summer-Blooming Perennials for Deer-Resistant Drama

By Le jardinet

Can you have garden color, fragrance and exciting foliage with hungry deer afoot? These beauties say yes

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Lovely Water-Wise Perennials for High Altitudes

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Even if your climate is cold and dry, you can still celebrate spring with these hardy and colorful perennials

Full Story

KIDS’ SPACES 5 Ideas for a Great Home Learning Zone

By Catherine Funkhouser

Get your child off to a good start this school year with homework areas and strategies that reduce the frenzy

Full Story

SUMMER GARDENING 6 Water-Wise Perennials for Blazing High-Altitude Summers

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Scorching weather and high elevations don't have to mean scraggly plantings. These blooms are as gorgeous as they are tough

Full Story

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: 20 Gorgeous Perennials to Plant Now

By The Estate of Things

Take advantage of warm spring weather to create a colorful garden with blooming plants, succulents and ornamental grasses

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Cold- and Heat-Tolerant Perennials and Shrubs for the Arid West

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

These flowering native plants shrug off the cold of winter and heat of summer while adding beauty to the drought-tolerant landscape

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Perennials for Great Fall Color

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Trees haven't cornered the market on autumn splendor. Add these flowering perennials for a foliage sight to behold

Full Story

PLANTING IDEAS Want a More Colorful, Natural Garden? Try a Perennial Meadow

By Frank Organ

Spend less time tending and more time taking in the sights by improving on Victorian and prairie garden designs

Full Story

SUMMER GARDENING 10 Perennials to Extend Your Garden's Summer Color

By LuAnn Brandsen

Revive summer-weary gardens with outstanding late bloomers such as toad lily, Russian sage, blanket flower and more

Full Story

By Jennifer Ott Design

Want maximum efficiency in your kitchen? Consider forgoing the old-fashioned triangle in favor of task-specific zones

Full Story

163

Dividing perennials-Zone 5

Comments (8)

coolplantsguy

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Related Discussions

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

cathyann
Original Author

buyorsell888

mxk3 z5b_MI

pitimpinai

whaas_5a

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Dividing perennials-Zone 5

Comments (8)

coolplantsguy

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Related Discussions

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

cathyannOriginal Author

buyorsell888

mxk3 z5b_MI

pitimpinai

whaas_5a

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

cathyann
Original Author