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Kidd: Use sharp knife to separate roots Continued from 2
roots can develop suckers just beyond the shade of the mother plant. These can be cut away to form a new plant. Hardy geraniums, Japanese anemones, ostrich fern and plum poppies are examples. Plants that have taproots, like a carrot, can be divided by using a sharp knife to slice down the length of the root. Every piece that has at least one eye, some of the taproot and a few side roots is a viable division. Taprooted plants are balloon flower, butterfly weed, cushion spurges and oriental poppies.
Woody perennials often form roots when stems rest on the ground or are buried by mulch. Simply cutting between the rooted stem and the mother plant will create a new plant. Woody-rooted plants include candytufts, euonymus, lavenders and sages. n Separate plants with your hands, spade, fork or knife. Axes or saws may be needed on grasses or woody roots. Always use caution with tools. n Twenty percent to 25 percent of the plant should be replanted in your garden. Perennials multiply exponentially — one stem is likely to
triple or quadruple itself each year. So, if you only cut it in half, it will more than double this season and you’ll have to divide it again next year instead of three to five years from now. Smaller sections grow more vigorously and tend to produce stronger, longer-lasting blooms. Plant divisions at the same depth as the original plant. n Removing root balls will leave holes in your garden. Be prepared to refill them with good organic matter or compost. It renews the soil, helps maintain fertility and prevents drainage problems where the soil has settled.
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