When is the best time to lift and divide perennials?

By Keith Funk

A:  That depends on the plant. Most perennials can be lifted and divided now, in early spring as you see new growth emerging. However, some perennials are prima donnas and will sulk after dividing. Peonies are a prime example. It may take them a couple of seasons to flower again. Others like daylilies, daisies, sedums, iceplant, goldenrod, and other summer bloomers probably won’t even notice they’ve been touched. When replanting your divisions be careful not to plant them any deeper than their original depth. Replanting too deeply is a surefire way to kill your treasures. Feel free to use a Sharpie to mark the stems at the soil line before digging them up, just to be on the safe side.

Summer blooming Hardy Geraniums can be divided in the spring.

Dividing Horseradish roots should be done when the leaves have been killed off by frost in the fall.

Keith Funk is handling our Q & A this year. You may have visited one of Keith’s Denver area gardens on a tour or know him from his years at Echter’s and now at Nick’s Garden Center. For 30 years he’s been heard every Saturday morning from 7-9 with fellow Wise Guy, Jim Borland, on the Garden Wise Radio Show on Legends 810AM.