I have a lot of lilies and a few other perennials including cast iron plants and crocosmia growing in my flower gardens. It’s been a few years since these plants were installed in the beds and they have really enjoyed the location where they were planted. They have enjoyed it so much that they are outgrowing the space that was allotted for them.

No, this doesn’t mean I’m going to kick them out for taking up too much space. I am, however, going to dig them up, divide them, put a few back in the same location and move a few to new spots in the garden. Early October is a good time to divide other perennials and summer flowering bulbs as well that are starting to yellow and go dormant for the winter.

For plants like cast iron plant, hosta, or iris that have a continuous root system that is all connected, don’t be afraid to cut them up a bit as you divide them to create new plants. Dividing them gives each plant more space to grow and thrive in the garden.

Be sure to bury them as deep in the soil as they were when they were taken up.  Planting iris too deep may prevent them from being as vigorous as they were before.  Likewise, planting lily bulbs to shallow may expose them to temperature extremes that will damage the bulbs.  Good plant vigor often begins with proper planting.