Your green thumb may be itching to bury new bulbs, but what about last year’s blooms? Pruning and plant maintenance in the fall helps your flowers thrive year after year. Dividing your perennials gives your garden healthier blooms, room to grow, and eye-popping impact.

Why Fall?
You should divide your perennials when they’re not blooming to maximize root growth. For spring and summer plants, that means autumn. Atlanta and Vinings gardeners should divide their perennials in early September to mid October. Following a mid-fall timeline allows you to optimize your plant’s energy and the southern sun, but it still gives your flora 4 to 6 weeks to establish before the late fall frost arrives.

Dividing Your Perennials
So what are the perennial replanting basics? Every flower has different needs, so research your roots. A few plants resist division, but most perennials need dividing ever 2-5 years. Keep an eye out for flowers that have grown at least twice their size in the last several years; these plants will soon begin to overcrowd and wither, so they are prime candidates for fall maintenance. Once you’re all prepped for perennial replanting, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Plants whose blooms are getting smaller are ready for dividing
Divide the perennials that still thrive to optimize growth
Remove dead leaves and stems
Dig carefully and use sharp tools when separating crowns to minimize root damage
Spread the roots for faster reestablishment
Give your divided plants room to grow
Replenish the soil with nutrients and proper irrigation
Dividing perennials offers a unique opportunity to reimagining your landscape and design a better garden. Make sure your plants are properly placed, and take advantage of the revitalization by performing general flower maintenance like trimming and treating. Call Bloom’n Gardens with any questions on fall flower care.