Domakihub How to Divide Perennials and Get More Plants for Free
Split established clumps in spring or autumn to rejuvenate your beds and multiply your best plants at no cost.
Reviewed by Domakihub garden pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Dividing perennials is one of the most rewarding tasks in any garden — you rescue tired, overcrowded clumps, encourage stronger flowering, and walk away with new plants ready to fill empty borders or share with neighbours. The RHS video above shows the technique in action; this article gives you a clear step-by-step process tailored to the conditions of Greek homes, holiday rentals, and hotel grounds. Whether you are refreshing a sun-baked villa terrace in the Peloponnese or a lush courtyard in Thessaloniki, the method is the same.
Why Perennials Need Dividing
Most herbaceous perennials naturally spread outward from a central crown. After three to five years the centre of the clump becomes woody and exhausted, producing fewer flowers while the outer edges stay vigorous. Dividing forces the plant to reset: you discard the spent core and replant the healthy outer sections, which bloom more freely and resist drought better — an important quality in the Greek summer.
Regular division also keeps beds tidy and prevents aggressive spreaders such as ornamental grasses, agapanthus, and acanthus from crowding out neighbouring plants. For rental properties this means less remedial pruning and a consistently attractive display for guests arriving at any season.
When to Divide in Greece
The two safe windows are early spring (February to March in lowland Greece, March to April at altitude) before strong new growth emerges, and early autumn (late September to October) once the worst heat has passed and the soil still holds some warmth to encourage root re-establishment. Avoid midsummer division — the combination of heat and transplant shock is too stressful for most species.
Spring division suits late-blooming perennials such as asters, sedums, and ornamental grasses. Autumn division works well for spring and early-summer bloomers like geraniums, daylilies, and Salvia nemorosa. When in doubt, spring is the more forgiving season because cooling temperatures are ahead rather than behind.
How to Divide Perennials: Step by Step
- 1
Water the clump the day before
Thoroughly soak the soil around the clump 24 hours in advance. Moist soil clings to roots and cushions them during the upheaval; dry root balls shatter and leave plants vulnerable. This is especially important in Greece where topsoil dries out quickly between waterings.
- 2
Lift the entire clump with a garden fork
Push a sturdy fork straight down at least 20 cm beyond the outer edge of the plant, then lever upward. Work around all four sides before heaving the clump clear of the ground. Lay it on a tarpaulin or hard surface where you can inspect the root structure clearly before cutting.
- 3
Split the clump into healthy sections
For fibrous-rooted plants (daylilies, agapanthus, ornamental grasses) drive two garden forks back-to-back through the centre and lever apart — no cutting required. For woody or fleshy-crowned plants such as hostas or acanthus use a sharp spade or knife sterilised with rubbing alcohol. Each division needs at least three to five healthy shoots and a generous root system attached.
- 4
Discard the centre and prepare new holes
The hard, congested core in the middle of an old clump is the least productive part — compost it. Keep the vigorous outer pieces. Prepare planting holes to the same depth as the divisions, work in a handful of balanced slow-release fertiliser or well-rotted compost, and water the base before planting.
- 5
Replant, firm, and water in
Set each division at its original planting depth — burying the crown too deep encourages rot, too shallow exposes roots to drying winds. Firm the soil gently around each plant to eliminate air pockets, then water deeply. Shade new divisions with a breathable horticultural fleece or a simple shade cloth for the first week in hot weather to reduce transpiration stress while the roots re-establish.
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FAQ
- How many divisions can I get from one large clump?
- A clump 60 cm across typically yields four to eight viable divisions depending on the species. Prioritise quality over quantity — a division with five or more healthy shoots and a good root mass will establish far faster than a tiny fragment, even if you end up with fewer new plants.
- Do I need to let the cut surfaces dry before replanting?
- For most fibrous-rooted perennials, no — replant immediately and keep the soil moist. For succulent or fleshy-crowned plants such as hostas or sedums, letting cut surfaces air for 30 to 60 minutes reduces the risk of rot, especially in warm conditions. Always use a clean, sharp blade to minimise the wound area.
- Can I divide perennials while they are in flower?
- It is strongly discouraged. Flowering plants are directing all their energy into reproduction, not root recovery. Wait until the flowers have finished and the plant has had a few weeks to rebuild its reserves. If you cannot wait, cut the flower stems off before dividing to reduce the stress load on the newly separated roots.