Over the years, your hydrangea will naturally transform into a massive, beautiful bush. But as the plant grows above ground, those roots are getting pretty crowded down below, too. By dividing your hydrangea, you can keep its size in check and get some “free” new plants to spread around your garden. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it right.
The Best Time to Divide Your Hydrangeas
Most of us know these beauties by their botanical name, Hydrangea. If you’re planning to split one up, timing is everything. You want to catch the plant during its winter dormancy. A great time is in the fall after you’ve pruned it back. Alternatively, you can tackle this project in early spring. Just a heads-up: if you do it in the spring, the plant will put all its energy into root growth first, which means you might have to skip the flowers for one season. That’s why many gardeners prefer the fall route.
How to Divide Your Hydrangea
First things first, you’ve got to get the plant out of the ground. The goal is to dig up the entire root system without hacking away at the main root ball. A good rule of thumb is to dig a circle around the plant that matches the width of the hydrangea’s canopy. Carefully dig around that perimeter and slowly lift the plant out of its home.
Step-by-Step Division:
- Grab a sharp garden saw and make sure it’s nice and clean.
- Carefully saw through the center of the root ball to split it.
- If you have a particularly large hydrangea, you can actually divide it into up to four separate sections.
- Pro tip: Dab a little charcoal dust on the “wounds” or cut surfaces to help prevent rot.
Once you’ve got your sections, wrap the root balls in burlap or another natural fabric that will decompose in the soil. It’s best to move your new hydrangea divisions to their new spots and get them in the ground immediately. If you can’t plant them right away, make sure to keep them well-watered in the meantime. After planting, give them a good soak to help them settle in. Finally, mulch around the base of the plants to keep the moisture in and give your hydrangeas the best start possible.
