Debi Holland shows how you can get free plants for your garden by dividing perennials like ornamental grasses this spring.
How to divide perennials in spring
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Dividing an established perennial is an easy way to make more plants for free. Spring is a good time for many clump-forming perennials, including ornamental grasses.
Lift and split the clump. Dig it out with a fork or spade. If it’s tough to split, insert two tools back to back into the root ball and lever them apart. A large clump may yield four, five or even six new plants.
Keep the vigorous sections. Over time an old clump can lose vigour and some growth can die back. Use healthy divisions with roots and shoots. Giving them their own space encourages fresh growth.
Replant and water. Water the planting hole before settling in the division. I sprinkle a little Richard Jackson’s Root Booster around the roots to help it establish. Firm it in and keep it watered while it gets going. That’s a simple way to rejuvenate a perennial and make more plants at the same time.
