Try to separate the fans with as little damage as possible to the fan and it’s roots. Use a screwdriver, serrated bread knife or a hand saw to cut apart the fans at the base or crown. You can try to slice between them with a shovel, or use two screwdrivers prying apart in opposite directions.

Cut back the foliage by at least half.

Dig up the entire clump, including about 6 - 8 inches of soil surrounding the clump (many of the roots grow out from the center).

Wash off as much dirt as possible.

Find where the fans are connected at the crown of the plant - that is where you carefully cut or pry them apart. Some fans are not connected, you merely need to disentangle their roots. Breakage or cutting of some of the roots is inevitable, but try to preserve as much as possible. If a fan snaps off of the crown, the leaves will not grow new roots. But it is possible that the crown, if the roots are attached, will sprout new leaves.

Replant each fan at least a foot apart. Dig a hole that will accomodate the roots, and make a mound in the hole so that the crown sits on the mound, just below ground level, and the roots spread out and down from the crown.

Best time to divide daylilies

Division is best done in the spring and early fall to give the plants a few weeks to adjust before the weather becomes extremely hot or cold. For fall dividing, at least 6 weeks before the first frost date is a general rule. Those with severe winters (especially zones 3 & 4) are at greatest risk of losing plants over the winter, so spring is a better time to divide. In hot climates (for example zones 9 & 10) more plants are lost in the summer months due to heat stress, so dividing in the fall may be best.

After receiving fans, soak them in water for 2 hours and then plant as soon as possible. If you can’t plant them right away, keep them in a cool, dry place. They can be planted spring through fall, but no later than one month before the first hard freeze in your area.

For the best blooming, plant in an area that receives 6 hours of sun per day. Dark colored varieties will last longer if given afternoon shade.

To maintain a healthier plant or to transplant part of a variety to a new location, dividing may be the answer. When the clump (the root area next to the ground) becomes dense, with over 15-20 fans, it may be divided. To divide, dig up the clump and wash off the dirt. Cut the leaves back so that they are approximately 6 inches above the roots. Use a shovel or fork to gently break the fans apart. The most desirable transplant size is 2-3 fans.

When is the best time to dig and divide the iris?

Late July or early August is the best time to dig and divide the iris. They should be dug and divided every few years to prevent them from over crowding.

After digging the roots or rhizomes, remove the segment with leaves from the older segments. This is the current seasons growth and is the portion of the plant which is kept and reset. Always discard any of the divisions which are weak or diseased.

Set the divisions in a hole large enough to easily accommodate the attached fibrous roots. The top of the rhizomes should be level with the soil surface. Firm the soil down well around the divisions, cut the tops back to 6 inches and water in well.

Peonies

Late August or early September is the best time of the year to divide and transplant peonies. If you choose to plant them in the spring a year’s bloom is usually lost.

Peonies prefer full sun. Don’t plant them under shade trees or on the north side of the home.

How to divide peonies

Dig the clumps by digging around the roots on all sides and carefully lifting the clumps. Cut the tops back to about 4″. Don’t break off the side roots. Shake off the excess soil and wash the roots with a hard spray of water. Divide the clumps with a knife or sharp spade. Allow from 3-5 eyes on each clump. Don’t plant the top of the divided clumps more than 2″ deep.

Newly planted peonies don’t flower if the eyes are deeper than 2″. Also, if they are planted in a shady area they will flower very sparsely

Daylilies

Daylilies should be dug and divided in late summer or early fall. This gives the plants time to become established before winter sets in.

After the old clumps are dug up, divide them by gently pulling the divisions from the clump. Each division should have at least three stems with all the roots attached. After you have made the divisions, cut the foliage back to 5-6″.

They will do well in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Light shade during the hottest part of the day keeps the flowers fresh longer. Daylilies are adaptable to most soil but do best in a rich moist soil that is high in organic matter.

How often should daylilies be divided?

The old fashion orange flowering varieties are very vigorous and should be divided every couple of years to prevent over crowding. The newer varieties are not as vigorous and can be left for a longer period of time.

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