Autumn presents the perfect opportunity for dividing robust geraniums - learn how effortlessly you can rejuvenate plants and obtain fresh ones cost-free by following these 3 simple steps.
Dividing Hardy Geraniums: A Guide for Gardeners
Hardy geraniums, a popular perennial, can be easily divided to revitalize them and propagate new plants for your garden. Following a few simple steps can ensure a successful division, allowing your geraniums to thrive for years to come.
Before you begin, it's essential to understand that some plants may not respond well to being divided. To avoid losing your plants forever, it's recommended to check a guide on plants you should never divide. However, hardy geraniums are not among them and can be divided using common garden tools such as a sharp shovel, garden knife, or hori hori knife.
A hori-hori knife is a versatile tool suitable for dividing plants, featuring a bevelled edge for slicing and a serrated edge for cutting. A long-handled trowel with a pointed head is ideal for digging and dividing hardy geraniums. A multi-purpose tool with a serrated edge for cutting, a straight edge for digging, an indentation for transplanting, and a tip for removing weeds can also be useful.
The best time to divide hardy geraniums is either in the fall or spring. Dividing in the fall allows plants to bed down roots before winter, while dividing in the spring means less watering is required for new clumps and ensures blooms in their first year. Dividing in the spring also offers the advantage of fewer pests and diseases.
To divide hardy geraniums, start by digging the soil around the clump. Gently pull the plant out, and use a sharp tool to divide the clump into sections with roots and shoots. Ensure clean and sharp tools for clean cuts through the rootball. After dividing, sections should be replanted immediately, with the crown at soil level, and thoroughly watered to settle them into the soil.
If immediate planting is not possible, the sections can be stored for a short time. To do this, keep the soil ball watered or wrap the roots in a wet towel to prevent drying out. Newly-divided hardy geraniums benefit from a handful of bone meal added to the soil before replanting the divisions.
For those who need help identifying plants or plant diseases, the Plantum app is an excellent resource. Nastya Vasylchyshyna, a professional botany expert at Plantum, specializes in plant morphology, phytopathology, and plant physiology.
Dividing many perennials and shrubs can revitalize older plants and provide new ones for the garden. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful division of hardy geraniums and enjoy a thriving garden for years to come.
