the secrets to dividing in summer

If you’re noticing fewer flowers, a dead center or a plant that is shrinking, it may be time to divide. Although there are some plants, such as bearded iris and Oriental poppies, that are better off being split in summer, spring and fall are traditionally the best time to divide. But many plants take summer division just fine as long as you follow a few tips:

WATER FIRST — Summer’s heat and lack of rainfall are hard on plants, so water the plant and its future home the day before you dig.

CUT OFF LEAVES — The next day, before you dig cut the foliage back by half on plants like lamb’s ear or the bearded iris here. This way a smaller root system won’t have to support lots of foliage in the heat later. Shear plants whose leaves go all the way to the base, such as daylilies. But if a plant’s leaves are mostly at the ends of the stems, you’ll need to trim individual leaves. Coral bells is one example. For vigorous perennials, such as catmint or coreopsis, cut the entire plant back by half.

PLANT QUICKLY — Get your new plant in the hole quickly so the roots don’t dry out. Once the plant is in place, fill the hole halfway with soil and water well. That way the water soaks in and doesn’t evaporate or roll off the soil’s surface. Adding an organic liquid fertilizer, such as Neptune’s Harvest, to the water helps get plants off to a good start. Fill the hole the rest of the way with soil, water it again and put down a layer of mulch.

CREATE SHADE — Full-sun plants will benefit from a shade shelter for a week or two. Insert a few bamboo stakes in the soil on the west side of the plant to protect it from the hottest sun of the day. Clothespin some landscape fabric or an old sheet to the stakes to make a screen.

KEEP MOIST — Finally, check your plant each day, and if it looks wilted in the morning or late evening, give it a drink. You may need to water daily for a few days after planting.

Even when summer heat is at its worst, make easy work of watering with the Dual-Flo nozzle!