Dividing and transplanting coreopsis is a great way to rejuvenate the plants, promote their health, and create more plants for your garden. I have personally divided and transplanted coreopsis many times, and I can share my detailed process with you.
1. Timing: The best time to divide and transplant coreopsis is in early spring or early fall. This is when the plants are dormant or have finished blooming. Avoid dividing them during hot summer months, as it can stress the plants.
2. Preparation: Start by preparing the new planting location. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Remove any weeds or grass from the area and loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller. It’s also a good idea to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and drainage.
3. Digging up the plants: Carefully dig up the coreopsis clump using a garden fork or shovel. Start digging around the outer perimeter of the clump, going about 6 to 8 inches deep. Gently loosen the soil and lift the clump out of the ground. Be mindful not to damage the rhizomes or roots.
4. Dividing the clump: Once you have the clump out of the ground, you can divide it into smaller sections. Look for natural divisions or use a sharp knife or garden shears to separate the clump into individual plants. Each division should have a healthy portion of rhizome and several sets of leaves.
5. Trimming and rejuvenating: If the coreopsis clump looks overgrown or has dead or damaged foliage, this is a good time to trim it back. Cut back any dead or yellowing leaves and trim the remaining foliage to about half its original height. This will help the plants focus their energy on root growth and recovery.
6. Transplanting: Plant each divided section of coreopsis in the prepared location. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant in the hole, making sure the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets.
7. Care after transplanting: After transplanting, it’s important to provide proper care to ensure the success of the newly divided coreopsis. Water the plants deeply after transplanting and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
8. Maintenance: Once the transplanted coreopsis plants establish themselves, regular maintenance is important. Water them during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and remove any diseased or damaged foliage promptly.
Dividing and transplanting coreopsis can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to rejuvenate the plants and create more beautiful blooms in your garden. Just remember to choose the right time, prepare the new planting location, divide the clumps carefully, trim and rejuvenate the plants, transplant them properly, and provide adequate care afterward. With these steps, you’ll be on your way to successfully dividing and transplanting coreopsis in your garden.
