I have some issues with your proposal :-) First, hydrangeas are shrubs and shrubs, because of their botanical structure, typically are NOT propagated by division. Unlike herbaceous perennials, their growth most often emanates from a single stem/trunk from the root crown. Attempting to divide this single growth point typically will destroy it and create too much root disturbance. You wind up killing or drastically injuring both the mother plant and any 'divisions'. Some suckering shrubs - like hydrangeas, forsythia, lilac, etc. - can be divided once they mature enough to generate rooted suckers well enough away from the original root crown that they can be easily removed without compromising it. It is highly unlikely that a first year plant would have sufficient suckering growth to do this easily without unnecessary injury. It's possible....just not very likely. Regardless, this is not an ideal time to attempt such activity. Inevitable damage to root system from this type of activity cannot be corrected or regenerated before cold weather sets in and the plant(s) are now overly vulnerable to cold damage. I would have waited to attempt this process until spring, when new growth begins. How well the two parts of the plant fair over winter is a bit of a toss up at this point. I'd make sure both have winter protection. FWIW, there is a Hydrangea forum where you can get more specific info on both growing these plants and caring for them overwinter in cold climates. Here is a link that might be useful: don't divide shrubs!

Thanks for the input, folks. I've been convinced potting them is the way to go. I can't put off dividing them much longer, mostly because I have a lot of new plants coming and need the room, but I agree, I'd hate to get dried up plants at a sale myself. Fortunately, my Mom called this afternoon and, on hearing my dilemma, offered to come over next weekend and help me pot up what I divide. With 40 plus plants to divide, I'll need the help. Maybe later this year I will try and talk hubby into helping me build holding beds for next year's DLs. It would be nice to have a place to put fall divisions for spring sale, too. Hmmmm . . . I see a daylily farm in the offing! Dot, that's a fantastic idea - thanks! I'm off to Wally world tomorrow! Lynxe, I'd like to start posting my DLs early this coming week. I'm working on the text of my 'ad' for each one right now. Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos with an eye toward the auction, but most of my varieties are not uncommon. These will be my first sales efforts online, though, and I'd like them to look nice. GG, I don't actually have a club, just a couple of tables at the end of my driveway, but it's a very busy road and I did pretty good last year. I had a mix of DLs and perennials (hosta, beebalm, golden feverfew, phlox, etc. and a few shrubs) and the odd annual. It was a lot of fun and I met some really nice people. Thanks again for your advice - it really helps! KCC

You'll find rhizomes and roots in the pot. It would probably be a good idea to rinse off as much of the old potting mix as possible. Not only is it likely to be spent, but it'll give you a better look at the crown and root system. You'll also probably find the rhizomes and roots are pretty heavily circled in there. Straighten them out as much as you can before replanting the divisions.

insert in ground.. the crown goes at soil level [roots down, in case that wasnt obvious] ... water in well ... step away ... it either lives or it doesnt.. but since most will live on the driveway... it wont matter... it should live ANY time i have tried TLC.. potting.. chems [fungicides].. bleach... ferts .. etc.. with hosta .. it dies.. probably from too much love .... just plant it .. and wait for next year ken