Fall is the time to divide many perennials. Start by taking a shovel and digging down and around the plant. Then lift it out of the ground with your hands, keeping as much of the root system intact as possible. With each division, you should have two to five strong shoots with ample roots attached.

Here's how:

• Shake off loose soil
• Wash the crown with a garden hose until you can clearly see roots and crowns
• Divide the plant into smaller clumps by hand or with a knife or spade. For older, tough roots, chop them with a hatchet.
• Remove any dead areas and cut back remaining foliage.
• Replant promptly so roots don't dry out.
• Dig the hole slightly larger than the division to allow space for the new plant to spread out its roots.
• Water thoroughly and apply mulch to keep soil from drying out and to protect the plant's root system.
• Keep the soil moist until your new plant becomes established. Add fertilizer in the spring.

Other Tips:

·         Divide plants on a dry, cloudy day.

·         Make sure each plant division has more roots than shoots.