Obtaining seedlings on your own is a big challenge for a beginner plant lover. We learn it gradually, often by accident, when something detaches from the plant during the cultivation work. We feel sorry for this part, so we put it in the ground. After some time it turns out that we have a completely new specimen. Every gardener went through it very well, because thanks to this experience we begin to experiment in the garden more and more boldly.
Division of perennial plants
The simplest and most effective way to reproduce plants is to divide them. It is an easy procedure to perform.It is enough to divide a large clump of a given plant with a hand, a spade or a sharp knife (sometimes with an ax and with the help of a man). Each separated part must be carefully inspected and, if necessary, diseased fragments and weeds removed. Then put them in the chosen place and water them. Reproduction in this way not only enriches our garden with new cuttings, but above all serves the plant itself. Many species love this treatment because it has a positive effect on their he alth. An example are iris, whose rhizomes, left in the same place for many years, become hollow and die from the inside of the clump. Plants are then not very decorative and bloom less. However, regularly divided and transplanted, they will reward you with lush green leaves and beautiful flowers.
The division depends on the structure of the plantTo know which plants can be safely divided, it is enough to know the appearance of their underground parts.
- Perennials that have a tap root (one long, similar to a carrot) are better propagated by sowing seeds, otherwise the entire plant can be easily damaged. These are i.a. gypsophila, poppies and lupins.
- It is best to divide the plants with a bundle root (lots of small roots). Such are, for example, geranium, funkia, tawułka, primula, omieg, kopytnik, cuckoo, bergenia, uvula, ornamental grasses, rudbeckia, pyrethrum, fuller, threefold, daffodil, monkshood, daylilies, hoop, cranberry and many others.
- There are also plants that have rhizomes. These include peonies, irises, dahlias and cannas. They should be divided so that each part has an eye, i.e. the place where the stem was. When breeding peonies and hellebores, it is important to remember that they do not like transplanting. So, plant particles can be split up, but the rest of the specimen must not be excavated.
Terms for dividing perennials
The timing of reproduction is important. The rule is simple: divide the plants after they fade. The ones that bloom in summer and autumn can be divided in spring, and the spring ones - in summer and autumn.
The above-described methods of reproduction have been practiced and used by myself for many years.I recommend them to all gardeners starting their adventure with dividing perennials. I do it myself out of love for plants. Thanks to this, I give seedlings to my neighbors and friends, who make it a lot of joy.
Teresa Bartosiewicz
