Studies have shown that dividing perennials rejuvenates older plants and allows you to relocate or redistribute them according to their specific needs, ensuring they thrive in diverse microclimates.1
Plus, with the added benefit of reducing maintenance costs and promoting plant health, you’ll wonder why you haven’t divided your perennials every September!
So, grab your tools and look at 11 perennials that will reward your efforts with twice the blooms next year.
1. Hostas
September is ideal for dividing your hostas, those shade-loving foliage stars. Hostas become overcrowded over time, so dividing them every few years helps maintain their health and appearance.
Dig up the entire plant, carefully separate the clumps, and replant them in well-draining soil. Each division should have at least three healthy shoots to ensure successful regrowth.
Hostas are incredibly resilient, making them perfect candidates for division. Plus, dividing them in September gives you plenty of time to enjoy their lush leaves before they go dormant for the winter.
With a little effort now, you can look forward to a sea of hostas gracing your garden next year.
2. Daylilies
Daylilies are another perennial that benefits from the September division. These prolific bloomers can become crowded over time, leading to fewer flowers.
To rejuvenate your daylilies, carefully lift the entire plant and use two garden forks back-to-back to separate the root mass into smaller clumps. Each division should have a healthy set of roots and foliage.
Not only will dividing your daylilies in September encourage better flowering, but it also helps prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients.
By giving these sun-loving beauties room to grow, you’ll be rewarded with abundant, vibrant blooms come summer.
3. Irises
September is the perfect month to divide your irises and keep them healthy and blooming. Irises are known for their striking flowers but can fall victim to rot and overcrowding if left undivided.
To give your irises a fresh start, lift the rhizomes and use a sharp, clean knife to cut them into smaller sections, each with a fan of leaves and healthy roots.
Dividing irises every few years prevents problems and encourages vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
By tackling this task in September, you’ll give your irises plenty of time to establish strong roots before winter sets in, setting the stage for a spectacular spring display.
4. Peonies
While peonies are often undisturbed for years, dividing them in September can help restore their vigor and improve flowering.
If your peonies show overcrowding or diminished bloom quality, it’s time to take action. Using a sharp spade, carefully dig up the plant and divide the root clump into sections, each with at least three to five healthy buds.
Peonies divided in September will have ample time to settle in before the ground freezes, ensuring they’re ready to put on a stunning show come spring.
Plus, by dividing your peonies, you can share these beloved perennials with friends and family or expand your collection.
5. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
September is an excellent time to divide your coneflowers or Echinacea. These hardy perennials are beautiful and attract pollinators to your garden.
To divide them, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently pull apart the root mass, ensuring each division has a healthy set of roots and foliage.
Coneflowers are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate various soil conditions, making them a great choice for novice and experienced gardeners.
By dividing them in September, you’ll give these native beauties a head start on establishing strong roots before winter, setting them up for a successful and vibrant bloom next summer.
6. Siberian Irises
Unlike their bearded counterparts, Siberian irises are best divided in September. These elegant perennials form dense clumps over time, which can lead to reduced flowering.
To divide them, lift the entire plant and use a sharp knife or spade to cut the root mass into smaller sections, each with healthy foliage and roots.
Siberian irises are known for their graceful, grass-like foliage and delicate flowers. By dividing them in September, you’ll ensure they have plenty of time to establish new roots before the ground freezes.
Come spring, you’ll be greeted by a sea of slender leaves and charming blooms dancing in the breeze.
7. Phlox
September is the ideal month to divide your phlox, those colorful staples of the summer garden. Over time, phlox can become woody and produce fewer flowers, but division can help rejuvenate them.
Dig up the entire plant and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the root mass into smaller clumps, each with a healthy set of roots and shoots.
Phlox comes in various colors and heights, making them versatile additions to any garden. By dividing them in September, you’ll give these fragrant beauties ample time to settle in before winter, ensuring a vibrant display of blooms next summer.
8. Asters
Asters are another perennial that benefits from the September division. These fall-blooming favorites can become overcrowded and produce smaller flowers over time, but division can help restore their vigor.
To divide asters, carefully lift the entire plant and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the root mass into smaller clumps, each with healthy foliage and roots.
By dividing your asters in September, you’ll rejuvenate the plants and create an opportunity to expand your fall color palette.
With a range of hues from soft pastels to rich jewel tones, asters divided now will reward you with a stunning autumn display for years to come.
9. Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies are a classic perennial that can benefit from the September division. These cheerful, white-petaled flowers with sunny yellow centers can become overcrowded and produce fewer blooms over time.
To divide Shasta daisies, carefully lift the entire plant and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the root mass into smaller clumps, each with healthy foliage and roots.
By dividing your Shasta daisies in September, you’ll give them a head start on establishing strong roots before winter, setting them up for a prolific bloom next summer.
Plus, with their long-lasting flowers and easy-care nature, Shasta daisies divided now will bring joy to your garden for years to come.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm (Monarda) is a favorite among pollinators and gardeners. September is an ideal time to divide these aromatic perennials. Over time, bee balm can become overcrowded and lose vigor, but division can help rejuvenate the plants.
To divide bee balm, dig up the clump and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the root mass into smaller sections, each with healthy foliage and roots.
Dividing bee balm in September gives the plants ample time to establish new roots before winter, ensuring a vibrant display of flowers next summer.
With their showy blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple and their ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, bee balm will now add beauty and biodiversity to your garden.
11. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, or tickseed, is a sun-loving perennial that benefits from the September division. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers come in various colors, from sunny yellow to rich red, and bloom profusely throughout the summer.
To divide coreopsis, carefully lift the entire plant and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the root mass into smaller clumps, each with healthy foliage and roots.
By dividing your coreopsis in September, you’ll give the plants ample time to establish strong roots before winter, setting them up for a successful and colorful bloom next summer.
Plus, with their drought-tolerant nature and long-lasting flowers, coreopsis divided now will bring low-maintenance beauty to your garden for seasons to come.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.