Great Perennials for Division

• 1.

  

  Numerous perennials can be divided and the pieces replanted with great success. Root systems like those of Ajuga can be divided by hand, whereas others may require a sharp knife.

  Division is a great way to replicate a perennials already in your yard, and a great way to share your favorites perennials with friends!

• 2.

  

  Achillea (Yarrow)

  Yarrow is one of the easiest perennials to grow and is a good choice for beginners. All it needs is full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in average to poor soil and is drought tolerant once established. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be tall and floppy.

• 3.

  

  Ajuga (Bugleweed)

  Ajuga is an evergreen groundcover that can grow in the shade of large trees where grass is hard to establish. Unlike many perennials that are grown only for their flowers, ajuga is prized for its attractive, colorful foliage that looks nice all year.

• 4.

  

  Anthemis (Golden Marguerite)

  Anthemis is an excellent perennial for poor soil; it may become tall and leggy if grown in rich soil. This plant is ideal for a well-drained spot in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.

• 5.

  

  Artemesia

  An excellent choice for hot, dry sites, Artemisia should be grown in very well-drained soil and full sun. To avoid "melting out", it should be grown in poor soil and trimmed back in late spring to rejuvinate the foliage.

  This plant tends to open up in the center during hot summers, so it is best grown north of zone 7. 'Silver Mound' rarely needs dividing and should be left undisturbed.

• 6.

  

  Aster

  Asters are excellent cut flowers and attract butterflies. They make a terrific accent to fall blooming grasses and the changing colors of the trees. They are native to North America and are generally very easy to grow.

• 7.

  

  Belamcanda (Blackberry Lily)

  Belamcanda blooms for weeks in late summer, and its season of interest is extended into fall with the interesting seed pods which develop. Tan, pear-shaped pods burst open to reveal clusters of black seeds resembling blackberries, hence the common name. They are persistent thru the winter and are attractive in fresh or dried flower arrangements.

• 8.

  

  Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)

  Brunneras are classic perennials that are treasured for their shade tolerance and lovely blooms. They make a fantastic groundcover, though the variegated forms may be slower to spread than the species. Try growing them in containers too so they will be close at hand when you want to snip a few blooms for a spring bouquet.

• 9.

  

  Coreopsis (Tickseed)

  Coreopsis is easy to grow, thriving in any well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it is rather drought tolerant.

• 10.

  

  Dicentra (Fern-leaved Bleeding Heart)

  Though this variety can tolerate more sun, Dicentra is most at home in woodland settings. It likes rich, loose soil that is evenly moist but also well-drained. At planting time, add lots of compost, humus, or peat moss to the soil to enhance its water retention capabilities.

  Dicentra should be planted in locations that are protected from high winds and early frosts, such as the edges of woodlands or on the north or east sides of buildings. It may be propagated by division in either spring or fall, and should be done every few years to maintain vigor.

• 11.

  

  Geranium (Cranesbill)

  Hardy geraniums are wonderful filler plants for any landscape, either residential or commercial. They blend nicely with most other perennials and offer continuous color throughout the summer months.

• 12.

  

  Hemerocallis (Daylily)

  Perhaps one of the easiest plants to divide, Daylilies are also one of the most popular. Daylilies can survive many harsh conditions that other plants cannot including: polluted city environments, slopes, poor and dry soils, near pavement that is salted in winter, and under Black Walnut trees (not affected by juglone).

• 13.

  

  Hosta

  Hostas are exceedingly popular perennials in today's gardens due to their versatility in the landscape. Their subtle colors, tall flower scapes, and broad, coarse leaves fill a niche in garden designs that few other plants can achieve. Their large leaves provide excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage. Hostas also grow well in city environments where the air may be polluted by car exhaust, etc.

• 14.

  

  Tall Bearded Iris

  No garden would be complete without Tall Bearded Irises. Though they have been grown for decades, new and improved hybrids continue to be developed every year and fabulous color combinations have been achieved. The Tall Beardeds bloom after the Dwarf Irises but before the Japanese and Siberian Irises. They are wonderful accent plants for late spring gardens.

• 15.

  

  Leucanthemum (Shasta Daisy)

  Shasta Daisies are all-time favorites for the perennial border. The cheery flowers begin to appear in early summer and continue on for several months if faithfully deadheaded. Shastas mix so effortlessly with other perennials that no garden should be without them!

• 16.

  

  Liriope (Blue Lily-turf, Monkey Grass)

  Blue Lily-turf can be grown in either sun or shade, though it prefers light shade and rich soil of dry to average moisture. This is an ideal plant for southern regions due to its extreme tolerance of heat, humidity, and drought. Insects and diseases do not seem to bother this plant either, so it is very low maintenance.

• 17.

  

  Monarda (Bee Balm)

  You can divide and transplant your bee balm either after it finishes flowering, or wait until next spring when the emerging shoots are 4 to 6 inches tall. In either case, dig up the entire clump and separate it into equal chunks.

• 18.

  

  Nepeta (Catmint, Catnip)

  Nepetas are easy to grow perennials that provide a beautiful show of color all summer long. They prefer to be planted in full sun and ordinary, well-drained soil.

  When Nepeta's stems are broken, they release an aroma into the air that tends to attract cats, thus its common name, Catmint.

• 19.

  

  Penstemon (Beardtongue)

  Penstemons should be grown in full sun and very well-drained soil. Use Penstemons in the border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.

• 20.

  

  Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)

  Creeping phlox is a low-growing species which forms a carpet-like mat no taller than 6 inches. This popular little perennial is best utilized in rocky areas, on slopes, and in flower borders.

• 21.

  

  Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan)

  Plants have a long season of bloom and a sturdy, upright habit. The gold daisy-like flowers have a distinct dark brown central cone and are held on branching stems. Do not deadhead these cones if you want winter interest since the black seed heads remain attractive throughout the winter and the seeds provide a source of food for small birds.

• 22.

  

  Sedum (Stonecrop)

  Tall, upright sedums form substantial clumps of foliage which can be substituted for shrubs in the landscape. Their stout, sturdy stems support the massive flower heads which develop in summer and burst into bloom in fall. If left standing, they provide winter interest and food for birds.

• 23.

  

  Tanacetum (Painted Daisy)

  Tanacetum has interesting ferny foliage much like that of yarrow. Plant it in large groupings for plenty of cut flowers and for greatest impact in the landscape.

• 24.

  

  Thymus (Creeping Thyme)

  Creeping thyme is native to hot, dry Mediterranean regions. Consequently it thrives in similar conditions in American gardens. Plant it in full sun and moderately fertile, average to dry, well-drained soil.

• 25.

  

  Tradescantia (Spiderwort)

  Tradescantia is adaptable to many types of soil as long as it is moist and well-drained. It will grow in any amount of sunlight, from full sun to full shade.

• 26.

  

  Viola (Violet)

  Violas grow best in cool, moist, shady environments. In the north, plants can tolerate full sun but prefer partial to full shade. Shade from deciduous trees is ideal because the plants growing below receive full sun in the spring, followed by protection from the harsh summer sun once the trees get their leaves. In the south, violas should be grown in partial to full shade and mulched to help the soil stay cool and moist.