A few years back, when I was still in the initial phases of my gardening journey, all I ever thought about before planting something was how beautiful it was going to look once fully grown.
Now, I tend to give a higher priority to plants that are easier to divide, as they allow me to split them into smaller sections and replant them. I guess priorities do change over time, eh?
Let’s take a look at 11 easy-to-divide perennials that can significantly multiply your blooms in the garden!
11 Easy-To-Divide Perennials That Will Multiply Your Blooms
1: Hostas
Hostas are typically known for being one of the easiest plants to divide, thanks to their clumping roots that separate easily and can be planted in whatever way preferred. You want to divide this perennial into smaller root clusters and plant them, as doing so gives you the benefit of increased blooming and spread.
Need a walkthrough? Here’s my guide on how to divide hostas in fall step by step.
2: Phlox
Phlox are easy to divide due to their shallow roots that stay near the surface of the soil and don’t need to be dug out with extra effort. By dividing them, you get more plants which results in a denser, more aesthetically pleasing garden.
3: Peonies
Many gardeners find peonies to be particularly easy to divide because of their tuberous roots. Like others, dividing them is a good idea as it allows you to acquire more peonies and add even more beauty and depth to the garden.
And since fall is prime time, you might also want to check out other perennials you should divide in early fall.
4: Coneflowers
Not only do coneflowers look majestic in the garden, but they’re also super easy to divide thanks to their fibrous roots. You won’t have to worry about negatively affecting the plant or injuring its roots, allowing you to divide freely and grow the coneflower spread in your garden.
5: Yarrows
This perennial ground cover is another popular one in the realm of easy division. I’ve personally experimented with tons of different ground covers throughout my gardening journey and am yet to witness any ground cover more beautiful than low-growing yarrows.
Their roots can be separated easily, and dividing them encourages better growth and eventually leads to a fuller-looking garden.
Dividing is just part of fall care, timing your cuts also matters. Here’s a handy guide to perennials you should trim in September for the best spring show!
6: Asters
Asters have clumping roots that make it very easy for you to separate and divide them. Roots can be separated without harm or injury, allowing for improved spreading ability and enhanced blooming.
7: Geraniums (Cranesbill)
Not only are hardy geraniums (also called cranesbill) useful in the garden for attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies but they’re also super simple to divide, which means a higher potential for large-scale growth as well as increased number of blooms making your garden look fuller and more beautiful.
Quick note: Don’t confuse hardy geraniums with the more common annual pelargoniums (often sold as “geraniums” in nurseries), only cranesbill types are true perennials you can divide year after year.
8: Coral Bells
Coral bells are easier to divide thanks to their clumpy roots that, like phlox, spread around the shallow surface of the soil and don’t really need to be dug out, which risks root damage.
Dividing coral bells makes the garden fuller and more vibrant while improving the overall health and longevity of your perennials at the same time.
Some perennials, with the right division and care, can actually last a lifetime. Here are perennials that thrive for decades of blooms.
9: Blanket Flowers
Blanket flowers, too, have roots that clump together but still linger around the shallow surface of the ground. One can go about splitting and separating them without risking root injury or permanent damage.
One thing worth mentioning here is just how beautiful your garden will look with a bunch of blanket flowers blooming in it. It’ll be a true color heaven.
10: Catmint
Dividing your catmint plants is super simple and feasible. They don’t have those annoyingly tough roots that are impossible to separate, and, as a matter of fact, some may be able to do it effortlessly. By dividing your catmint plants, you’ll benefit from vigorous blooming that will surely take you by surprise.
And if you want even more color from your garden, here are perennials that bloom again when cut back in midsummer.
11: Stonecrop
Apart from offering beautifully vibrant flower clusters in shades of pink, purple, crimson, and blue, stonecrop also has a very special quality of being easily separable so that their flower base can be grown healthier and denser.
Hi Rita, I’d like to message you, discuss about plants
Seems like I love plants but don’t succeed to grow and take good care of them, so far.
I need more assistance, thank you
Hi Lily! I’d love to help you on your plant journey! You can reach out anytime at tinygardenhabit@gmail.com .I’ll do my best to guide you and get those plants thriving. Don’t worry, we all start somewhere! 🌿💚✨
My day lillies have not bloomed in years, this year I dug out and replanted. Will this help?
Hi Betsy! Yes, digging up and replanting should definitely help! 😊 Daylilies can get overcrowded over time, which stops them from blooming well. Dividing them gives the roots more space and fresh energy to grow and bloom again. You should see a big difference soon! 🌿✨
I have an old pond that had a stream leading to it. I have filled in with dirt I want to plant a perennial hopefully something not too tall that looks or would create a water appearance. Hopefully some low flowering blue or purple type perennial any suggestions
Hi Bretson! 😊 That sounds like a lovely space to transform! 😊 For that flowing, water-like effect with blue or purple blooms, here are some low-growing perennial ideas:
– Catmint (Nepeta), Creeping Veronica (Speedwell), Ajuga (Bugleweed), Campanula (Bellflower) and Salvia ‘May Night’.
These would give that flowing, soft feel while staying low and manageable. 🌿✨
What are the best plants to put in pots?
Hi! 😊 Some of the best perennials for pots are ones that stay compact and bloom reliably. Here are a few favorites:
🌸 Heuchera (Coral Bells) – colorful and compact;
🌼 Daylilies – bloom beautifully and adapt well to containers;
💜 Shasta Daisies – cheerful blooms and easy to grow;
🌿 Hostas – perfect for shady patios;
🌸 Bleeding Heart – lovely in spring and great in shaded pots.
All of these thrive in containers and will multiply over time, giving you even more to enjoy! 🪴✨
When is best time to divide coral bells mine are huge
Hi Vicki! 😊 The best time to divide coral bells (Heuchera) is in early spring or early fall when the weather is cooler and the plant isn’t actively flowering. If yours are huge, that’s a good sign they’re ready! Just dig them up, gently separate the crowns (each with some roots), and replant. They bounce back beautifully with a little water and shade during recovery!
Hi, I have a peony in my garden in a space behind my shed so its not easily seen (inherited it when I moved in so unsure why its in that space)
Can I have some advice on splitting it and moving it please
Hi Sian! 😊 Peonies are best divided and moved in early fall when they’re going dormant but the soil is still warm. Carefully dig up the whole clump, then divide it into sections with at least 3–5 eyes each. Replant them at the same depth, water well, and mulch to protect over winter. Moving it to a sunnier spot will help it thrive and bloom beautifully!
I didn’t know geraniums were perennials. Is it limited to certain zones? Would I need to bring them inside in zone 5 for them to survive the winter?
Hi Mary! 😊 Geraniums (the common garden kind, Pelargoniums) are technically tender perennials, meaning they can live for years, but only in warmer zones (zone 10 and up). In zone 5, they won’t survive the winter outdoors, so yes, you’d need to bring them inside before the first frost. You can overwinter them in pots near a sunny window or even store them dormant in a cool, dry place. Totally worth it to keep those blooms going!
Another invasive spreader are Tiger Lilies. Each plant has 8 separate roots with a tuber on it that grows another plant. If you don’t get every one they keep repopulating. It took me at least 4 years to get rid of them all.
Hi Penny! Oh wow, yes, tiger lilies can be relentless once they get going! 😅 I had a friend with the same issue and she said they popped up in places she never even planted them. Props to you for sticking with it for 4 years, that’s real garden patience!
Good morning Rita!
I live in zone 7 (middle Tennessee) and am trying to find deer resistant perennials. There were EIGHT in my front yard this morning!
So far we have planted cone flowers, hydrangeas, lavender and gerber daisies. Out of this list, do you know which ones you would recommend to keep the deer off them?
Also, do you have a favorite, yet affordable place you would buy from?
All this information is wonderful and I love your knowledge! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Mona! 😊 Lavender and coneflowers are usually safe from deer. Hydrangeas and gerbera daisies, unfortunately, not so much. For more deer-resistant options, I love salvia and Russian sage! And for more affordable plants, I like Nature Hills Nursery, local sales at co-ops and garden clubs!
I always thought Geraniums were annuals, but your article shows it as a Perennial. Are there special seeds for the perennials. When is the best time to plant them?
Hi Margie! 😊 Some types of geraniums (like Pelargoniums) are annuals, but hardy geraniums (also called true geraniums or cranesbills) are perennials and come back year after year. No special seeds needed, just look for hardy varieties. Best time to plant is spring or early fall so they can settle in!
I noticed I didn’t specify that in the article, just updated it now to make it clearer. Thanks for pointing it out. 😊
Can a potted begonia be saved over winter and planted in the ground next summer?
Hi Susan! 😊 Yes it can. Just bring the potted begonia indoors before frost, keep it in a bright, cool spot and water lightly through winter. Once the weather warms up next year, you can replant it in the ground. I’ve done it a few times and it works great!
Great info. Would help to know when these should be done.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you! 😊 That was such a great suggestion, we just updated the article to include the best time to divide each plant. Really appreciate you pointing that out!