First, understand that I am not dead; I am dormant. This is my natural survival strategy. My energy is stored in my thick, fleshy roots and those "eyes" (the pink or red buds on my roots). Years of neglect might mean I am suffocating under layers of soil, competing with weeds, or simply starved for nutrients. The revival process is about working with my natural cycles, not against them. Patience is key, as I operate on a timescale of seasons, not days.
Your intervention must be perfectly timed. The absolute best time to help me is in the early autumn, after my foliage has begun to die back but before the ground freezes. This allows me to focus my energy on root establishment without the added stress of supporting top growth or flowering. If you must act in spring, do it just as my red shoots emerge from the soil, but know that this may sacrifice that year's blooms. Avoid disturbing me during my summer growth period at all costs.
Begin by gently cutting my stems back to about an inch above the ground. Then, carefully dig a wide circle around my crown, at least a foot away, to avoid severing my vital roots. Gently lift me from the soil. Wash the soil from my roots with a gentle spray of water so you can clearly see my eyes and the structure of my root system. Using a sharp, sterile knife, you can divide me. Each division should have at least 3-5 eyes and a substantial section of healthy root to support it. Cut away any soft, mushy, or rotten parts.
My new home is critical. I crave a location with at least 6 hours of full sun and excellent drainage; I despise having my roots sit in water. Amend the soil with generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients and improve texture. The most common mistake is planting me too deep. My eyes must be no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Any deeper, and I will stubbornly refuse to bloom. Position my roots carefully in the planting hole, backfill with soil, and water me deeply to settle the soil around my roots.
After replanting, apply a thin layer of mulch, like compost or shredded bark, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch away from directly touching my crown to prevent rot. Water me regularly for the first few weeks to help my roots re-establish, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. In the following spring, as I begin to grow, you can feed me with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost to support strong growth and future flower production.
