From our point of view, the process you call "division" is a significant event that centers around our rhizomes. We are not like perennials with vast, spreading root systems; our growth is a slow, clumping habit. Our rhizomes are our lifeline—they store the energy we've painstakingly collected from the sun through our leaves. When you decide to divide us, you are essentially taking a piece of this central storage organ. It is crucial that each division has at least two or three growth buds (you might see them as small, pinkish nubs). These buds are the promise of new leaves and flowers for the next season. A division without a bud is a division without a future; it has no way to generate new growth and will simply perish.
Your timing is everything to us. The very best moment to undertake this operation is in early fall, after the scorching summer heat has passed but well before the ground freezes. At this time, we have finished our most active growth period and are beginning to shift our energy downward, preparing for our winter dormancy and next spring's bloom. This gives the new divisions ample time to establish their root systems in the cool, moist soil without the stress of supporting top growth or enduring summer drought. You can also divide us in very early spring, just as new growth is beginning to emerge but before we expend our energy on flowering. Please avoid dividing us when we are in full bloom or during the hot, dry summer months; the shock would be immense and we would struggle immensely to recover.
Approach this task with a sharp, clean spade or knife. Clean tools are vital to prevent the introduction of diseases into our fresh wounds. Gently dig a wide circle around the entire clump, taking care to lift us out of the ground with as much of our root ball intact as possible. Shake or wash off the soil so you can clearly see the structure of our rhizomes. Look for the natural points of separation, where the clump wants to come apart. Using your sharp tool, cleanly cut through the rhizome to create new, self-sufficient plants. Do not just pry us apart with brute force, as this can cause unnecessary tearing and damage that is difficult for us to heal. Remember: each new division must have those precious growth buds and a portion of healthy roots attached.
Prepare our new homes in advance. We prefer a location with dappled shade or morning sun, similar to our original planting site, with rich, well-draining soil that has been amended with compost. Plant each division at the same depth we were growing before; burying our crown too deeply can lead to rot. Water us in thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around our roots and eliminate air pockets. The most critical support you can provide is consistent moisture for the first full growing season. Please apply a layer of organic mulch around us (but not touching our crown) to help retain that moisture and regulate soil temperature. We will be focusing all our energy underground, re-establishing our root systems, so be patient with our top growth.
