Dividing and Moving Perennials in November
November is a fantastic time to divide and move many established perennials. As plants become dormant and soil stays warm from autumn, your divisions can settle in and send out new roots—ready to thrive come spring. Whether you want to rejuvenate tired clumps, fill new beds, or share favorites with friends, here’s how to do it right this month.
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🌿 Autumn Plant Feed & Fertiliser
Prepare your soil for autumn planting with suitable fertilisers and soil nutrients.
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Keep growing through autumn by starting suitable hardy crops under cover.
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Why Divide and Move Perennials in November?
- Plants are entering dormancy: Less risk of transplant shock.
- Soil still holds warmth: Encourages fast root growth before deep winter.
- Less evaporation: Rain keeps plants moist for easier establishment.
- Reduces congestion: Older plants flower better after being split.
- Easy planning: Divisions can be located or shared without interfering with spring growth (or busy gardening schedules).
Which Perennials to Divide or Move Now?
- Most summer- and autumn-flowering perennials:
- Aster
- Rudbeckia
- Hosta
- Daylily
- Iris (bearded types best divided in late summer)
- Phlox
- Coreopsis
- Shasta daisy
- Crocosmia (dividing clumps every few years prevents overcrowding)
- Spring-flowering perennials (like peonies or bleeding heart) are usually best split in very early spring or right after blooming.
Step-by-Step: Dividing Perennials in November
1. Prepare the Site:
Clear the new planting spot of weeds. Dig in compost for a rich, welcoming soil.
2. Lift the Plant:
Use a fork to dig widely around the original clump and gently loosen. Try to keep as many roots as possible.
3. Divide the Clump:
- For fibrous-rooted perennials, pull apart by hand or split with two forks back-to-back.
- For tougher or woody crowns, a sharp spade or knife might be needed.
- Each division should have several shoots and a good set of roots.
4. Trim Top Growth:
Cut back leaves and stems to about 10–15cm to reduce stress and water loss.
5. Replant or Pot:
Plant new pieces at the same depth as before, water in well, and add mulch (compost or leaf mold) to retain moisture and insulate roots.
6. Water and Label:
Continue to water if November is dry, and label new plantings to prevent surprises next spring.
Tips for Moving Perennials
- Replant divisions as soon as possible—don’t let roots dry out.
- In heavy, wet soil, consider planting in raised beds or slightly mounded areas for better drainage.
- Mulch newly planted divisions for frost protection.
- Don’t fertilize heavily now—wait until growth resumes in spring.
Dividing and moving perennials in November is satisfying, cost-effective, and simple. You’ll ensure healthy, compact, floriferous beds that bounce back vigorously when winter finally recedes.