Setting New Course For My Perennials

After a few years, flower beds usually need a pick-me-up. Overgrown perennials need to be lifted and divided. Some may need to be relocated because of improper growing conditions or perhaps they should be near companion plants that will best show them off. For these reasons, I am revamping the perennial garden, a project that may sound formidable but is actually a lot of fun.

By dividing large clumps of overgrown perennials we double or quadruple our collection of plants. These can be placed in other areas of the garden or shared with neighbors or garden clubs. Dividing also alleviates overcrowded conditions and gives the plants a new lease on life.

Most perennials aren’t difficult to dig and divide as long as the soil is moist. The easiest plants to divide are those that grow in clumps with multiple crowns and fibrous roots, such as phlox, daisies and asters.

Loosen the soil around the roots and under the plant with a spading fork.

After that, the next step will depend on what type of gardener you are: fast-food or gourmet.

You can either pull the plant apart and shove it back into two holes (the fast-food approach), or do the following:

Hose the remaining soil off the root ball, checking the roots for insects, disease or root damage. This is also an excellent time to clean the roots of invasive weeds such as grass or horsetail. If you’re sharing your plants with friends and neighbors you’ll want to keep them friends and friendly neighbors.

Next, separate the plants, leaving each section with a crown, leaves and roots. Amend the planting holes with manure, peat moss and/or compost. Before setting the plant in the hole, make sure you know its planting requirements - planting too deep or too shallow can destroy the plant or cause it to fail to bloom as in the case of iris and peonies.

If you know the name of the plant, this is a great time to tag it. Even if you don’t know its name, placing a tag that may simply say globe thistle or hosta may keep you from accidentally weeding it out in the spring or tromping on it during the winter.

If you perform all these steps you can call yourself a gourmet gardener.

Some root balls may not lend themselves to simply being pulled apart. Fleshy roots may need to be cut apart with a sharp knife.

Plants that produce rhizomes (fleshy stems with attached roots), such as iris, bergenia, red hot poker, etc., are usually divided simply by cutting along the natural divisions. After separating, let them dry in the sun for two or three hours to help heal the wounds, making them less susceptible to disease. (Do not do this with other perennials.)

The best method for transplanting rhizomes is to dig a shallow hole, then mound a low ridge of soil in the hole. Lay the rhizome horizontally on the ridge, allowing the roots to dangle on either side. Cover the rhizome with just enough soil to leave the top half exposed. If the rhizomes are too deep, the plant may not bloom next year.

Going for gold

Many of us associate goldenrod with hayfever. But in the war with hayfever, it isn’t goldenrod at all, but rather, ragweed that gives us the trouble.

I bought a Golden Fleece goldenrod a few years back at the Friends of Manito plant sale. Though it will tolerate partial shade, I planted it in full sun in a semi-dry area nestling up to a clump of lavender-pink New York asters. The soft golden shower mixed with the lavender color is wonderful.

Goldenrod doesn’t particularly like rich soil, it likes being on the dry side and isn’t bothered by disease or insects. If you would like to try this plant in your garden, look for a dwarf variety like Golden Fleece or Golden Dwarf.

If you’re looking for an outstanding fall plant that compliments ornamental grasses, chrysanthemums or the rich fall color of peony foliage, Autumn Joy sedum (stonecrop) is the plant of the hour.

Its thick, succulent leaves of light green and colorful flowerheads create an outstanding specimen. Of course, this is only one of many varieties of stonecrop. Look for Frosty Morn, with light green foliage edged in white, or Mohrchen, with purple leaves and pink flowers.

Both the stonecrops and the goldenrod will be available at the Friends of Manito plant sale at Manito Park on Sept. 9.