Dividing bellflowers is a great way to rejuvenate the plant and create new plants to enjoy in different areas of your garden. It’s a fairly simple process that can be done with just a few tools and a little bit of patience.
Before you begin the division process, it’s important to give the plant a thorough watering the day before. This will help to ensure that the plant is well-hydrated and less likely to suffer from transplant shock. Watering the day before will also make it easier to dig up the plant without disturbing the soil too much.
When choosing the time of day to divide your bellflower, it’s best to do it when the plant is in the shade. This will help prevent the newly divided sections from drying out too quickly and give them a chance to settle into their new locations with less stress.
To start the division process, begin by carefully digging up the entire bellflower plant. Use a garden fork or a spade to loosen the soil around the plant, being careful not to damage the roots. Slowly lift the plant out of the ground, making sure to extract all of the roots.
Once you have the plant out of the ground, it’s time to separate the clump into smaller sections. Look for natural divisions or areas where the plant has already started to produce new growth. Using a sharp knife or garden shears, cut or pull the clump apart into a few sections, making sure that each section has both roots and new growth.
It’s important to be as gentle as possible during the division process to minimize any damage to the roots. Take your time and be patient, ensuring that each section is carefully separated from the main clump.
After dividing the bellflower, it’s time to replant the sections in their new locations. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of each section and place the plant in the hole. Make sure the roots are spread out and not crowded. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate any air pockets.
Once all the sections are replanted, give them a good watering to settle the soil and ensure that the roots make good contact with the surrounding soil. It’s also a good idea to add a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
In the weeks following the division, it’s important to keep the newly divided bellflowers well-watered and monitor their progress. They may take some time to establish themselves in their new locations, so be patient and give them the care they need. With proper care, your divided bellflowers should thrive and provide beauty in different areas of your garden.
Dividing bellflowers is a rewarding and relatively easy process. By following these steps and taking care with the divisions, you can successfully create new plants and refresh your garden with this lovely flowering perennial.
