While division is a solid technique to control overcrowding and encourage better, healthier blooming, the truth is that some plants just don’t respond well to it.
In today’s article, we’ll be going over a long list of such plants and trying to figure out why exactly division doesn’t suit them. Let’s jump straight into it, shall we?
Why Some Plants Don’t Like Division?
Many plants have deep taproots in the ground or woody structures that just don’t establish properly after being divided.
Many experienced gardeners advise against dividing lupines, columbines, butterfly weeds, balloon flowers, and false indigos, as they’re taproot plants and division can compromise their future growth potential.
Garden Plants You Probably Shouldn’t Divide
1: Milkweed (Asclepias Spp.)
Unfortunately for you, milkweeds have super deep taproots that, if divided, can truly hurt the plants. If you want to propagate this perennial, try the seeds or stem cuttings instead.
2: Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa)
While butterfly weeds can be divided in some cases, it definitely won’t be easy, and may even stress out the plants. Instead of manual division, just sow some more seeds or allow your butterfly weeds to self-seed.
3: Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila Paniculata)
Baby’s breath have a single deep taproot, which makes division all the more unfavorable. Try propagating these from seeds or stem cuttings instead.
4: Sage (Salvia Spp.)
Because of its woody structure, dividing sage may stress it out and leave the fragrant herb worse off than it was before. If you really want to propagate sage, try semi-ripe stem cuttings or layering.
And if you’re growing salvia for its blooms, not just its scent, this summer care guide will help you keep it flowering beautifully without division.
5: Columbine (Aquilegia Spp.)
While columbines are often divided for some reason, it’s better not to, since they have taproots, which makes division a risky play. This perennial is best propagated from seed.
6: False Indigo (Baptisia Spp.)
False indigo taproots reach deep into the ground, making division potentially risky and unfavorable. Propagate these from seed or stem cuttings for the safest regrowth.
7: Balloon Flower (Platycodon Grandiflorus)
Balloon flowers often have very deep roots that are resistant to division. As a matter of fact, division harms them more than it benefits them. It’s much better to propagate these from seeds or basal cuttings.
8: Lupine (Lupinus Spp.)
Lupines have deep taproots, meaning division can possibly kill this perennial. It would be a much better idea to grow these from seed or young transplants.
9: Lavender (Lavandula Spp.)
Lavender too has dense roots and a woody structure that renders division somewhat pointless. Instead of dividing, use hardwood cuttings and propagate lavender safely.
If you want more lavender without the stress of dividing, here’s how to propagate it easily from cuttings.
10: Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia Spp.)
When it comes to red hot poker, it’s better to propagate this perennial through pups because dividing just doesn’t work well here. You can pick out offsets with a gentle hand and replant them.
11: Burning Bush (Dictamnus Albus)
Like many others on this list, the burning bush also has long, deep taproots that make division a challenge. The best thing you can do in the case of burning bushes is to plant them in the desired location first and only propagate from seeds or cuttings.
These Plants Love A Good Split
Plants that don’t have deep taproots or excessively woody structures can be divided once every 2-4 years to limit chances of overcrowding problems and improve blooming results, like:
And if you’re still wondering which perennials benefit from being divided, this guide breaks down the easiest ones to split for more blooms.
That said, keep in mind not to split your plants too often, or else you’ll be limiting their growth potential and negatively impacting their overall health and longevity.
My mom once tried dividing her daylilies more than once a year, and her perennial growth only went downhill from there. DO NOT make the same mistake!
Let’s Conclude
No one rule applies to every plant; each plant is different in terms of its needs, growth, and structure.
You must learn to cater to these differences and take action accordingly if you want to have a productive, diverse garden for decades to come.
Today, you learned that while division may be useful for some plants and bushes out there, it can be equally harmful to others. Knowing what plants you can and cannot divide gives you a solid edge in terms of lowering your likelihood of making risky mistakes down the line. Cheers!
