The great thing about perennial flowers is not just that they continue to bloom from year to year, but that they allow you to increase your stock of plants for free. Since perennials increase their size each year there comes a time when they need to be divided and this provides you with additional plants. I found an article by Amanda over on the American Meadows website which explains which perennial flowers benefit from this treatment and how to set about it.

We all enjoy selecting new varieties to try in the garden each season, but it?s important (and fun) to also take advantage of what?s already on your property. Many perennials that have lived in your garden for several years can be divided and moved in the early spring, offering an economical way to add color to multiple beds throughout your landscape. Bonus: these plants are already thriving in your soil, so they should do very well in other parts of your garden.

Which Varieties Should You Divide?

First, let?s start with what not to divide. There are some varieties, including Lupine, Bleeding Heart and Butterfly Weed, that have a single, large taproot or crown that their flowers stem from. These varieties typically won?t do well if divided.
However, there are several varieties that are actually rejuvenated when divided. After years of good growth in the garden, they will do well to be divided and moved around. These varieties include:

• Daylilies
• Hostas
• Bearded Iris
• Ornamental Grasses
• Black Eyed Susan

When To Divide Your Plants

We recommend getting ahead of your plants and not waiting until your perennials have outgrown their space so much they are crowding each other out and dying.

See more at American Meadows