Propagating and Dividing Perennials:

The two main purposes of propagation and division are:
1) increase your supply of perennials, and
2) encourage new, strong growth to the parent plant. Once the characteristics of a plant are known, one of the below methods will work.

PROPAGATING

Stem Cuttings:

Stem cuttings fall into one of three different categories: softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season's new growth, while the stems are still soft yet not too tender. Forsythia and Lilac are good candidates for softwood propagation. June and July are the best month's to make softwood cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are also taken from the current season's growth but the stem is more mature and partially woody. Holly and Azalea cuttings are taken from semi-hardwood in June or July. Hardwood cuttings are taken in the late fall or early winter after a hard frost. By this time plants have become dormant. Cuttings from deciduous plants such as Honeysuckle, Poplar, Privet and Spirea are taken from Hardwood. Cuttings of Junipers and Yews, which are narrow-leafed evergreens, are also hardwood.

To make a cutting, cut about two inches from the tip of a plant, just below a leaf. Remove all but a few leaves from the tip of the cutting. For quickest root development, place the stem approximately an inch into a small pot of moist vermiculite and cover with clear plastic. The plastic will keep moisture in the vermiculite. Place the pot where it will get bright light - direct sun is not advisable, as the vermiculite will dry out too quickly. In a couple of weeks, gently tug on the cutting. If it is firm, then it has taken root and can be planted.

Another method of rooting cuttings is to place the stem in a small container of water and setting it in indirect light. Roots will eventually form, however, this method takes several weeks and the roots generally aren't as strong.

Root Cuttings:

When the plant is actively growing (normally in the spring), remove the plant from the soil and wash the soil from the roots. Cut the fleshiest part of the root into three-inch sections, making sure to leave plenty of root on the parent plant. Plant the root section horizontally, covering with a half-inch of soil. Replant the parent plant and water it, and the root cuttings, well.

DIVIDING

When divided every few years, perennials benefit by becoming stronger and producing more blooms. Dividing perennials creates more, smaller, clumps of the same plant. Even if more plants are not desired, perennials should be divided to rejuvenate old plants.

The first step to division is to dig up the plant to be divided. Wash a majority of the soil away from the roots so you can easily determine where to make the division. Some plants can be divided by gently pulling off sections of the crown, while other plants may require a sharp, clean knife to cut through he roots. Do not take too many divisions from one plant, as each section must have enough healthy root to sustain growth. If any part of the root looks dead, damaged or diseased, trim back to healthy white tissue.

As a general rule, plants that flower in the spring and early summer should be divided in the fall. Plants that flower in summer and fall should be divided in the spring before new growth is too large.

PLANT	BEST TIME TO DIVIDE
Aster	Spring
Bleeding Heart	Spring or Fall
Campanula	Spring or Fall
Chrysanthemum	Spring
Columbine	Spring
Coreopsis	Spring
Delphinium	Early Spring
Echinacea	Spring or Fall
Gailardia	Spring
Geranium	Spring or Fall
Hosta	Spring or Fall
Iris	Late Summer, Fall
Lily	Fall
Monarda	Spring
Oriental Poppy	Summer
Phlox	Spring
Rudbeckia	Spring or Fall
Scabiosa	Spring
Sedum	Spring, Summer
Vinca	Early Spring
Yarrow	Spring, Late Summer
Yucca	Spring or Fall