From my perspective as a Ligularia, the best time for you to undertake this division is during my dormant period, either in the early spring just as new growth begins to peek from my crown, or in the early autumn after I have finished my summer display. At these times, my energy is stored safely in my roots, not expended on supporting large leaves or flower stalks. This makes the process far less stressful for me. Dividing during the heat of summer would cause excessive wilting and shock, as my large leaves would lose water faster than my disturbed roots could possibly absorb it. A cool, cloudy day is ideal to prevent my exposed parts from drying out.
Begin by generously watering the soil around my base the day before the operation. This will make it easier to lift my root ball and help keep the soil clinging to my roots, protecting them. Using a sharp, clean spade, dig a wide circle around my foliage, taking care to avoid severing too many of my important roots. Gently lift me from the ground. You will now see my main crown and the network of thick, fleshy roots. My goal is to be separated into several smaller, healthy plants, each with a good portion of these roots and at least three to five growing points, or "eyes."
You can often tease these divisions apart with your hands, but for a large, mature clump like me, you will likely need to use a sharp knife or even place two garden forks back-to-back in my center and lever them apart. This might feel drastic, but it is necessary. Please ensure your tools are clean to prevent introducing disease into my fresh wounds. Trim away any dead or rotten portions of my root system; this will help me focus my energy on strong, new growth.
Do not delay in replanting my divisions. Prepare their new homes beforehand—holes that are wide and deep enough to accommodate my roots without bending or crowding them. Remember, I thrive in rich, moisture-retentive soil and prefer partial to full shade. Place each division in its hole at the same depth I was growing at previously, then backfill with soil, firming it gently around my roots to eliminate air pockets. Water each new plant deeply and thoroughly immediately after planting. This settles the soil around my roots and provides the crucial moisture I need to begin recovering from the shock and start establishing myself in my new location.
My recovery is paramount. For the first few weeks, you must keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. A layer of organic mulch around my base (though not touching my crown) will help conserve that precious moisture and keep my roots cool. I will be temporarily weakened, so please shield me from strong winds and intense sun. You may choose to trim back some of my larger leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration. With this attentive care, I will quickly settle in, and by the next growing season, each division will have developed into a strong, vigorous plant ready to produce my characteristic bold foliage and striking flower spires.
