Alright, let’s talk about them bleeding heart plants. You know, the pretty ones with the heart-shaped flowers? Folks keep askin’ me, “Can you divide ’em?” Well, sure you can! Let me tell ya how.
First off, you gotta know when to do it. Don’t go diggin’ around just anytime. Best time is when the plant’s sleepin’, like in early spring before it starts growin’ again, or late fall after all the leaves fall off. That way, it ain’t gonna get too upset.
- Early spring, before new growth.
- Late fall, after the leaves die back.
Now, if your plant ain’t lookin’ so good where it is, or if it’s just gotten too big, that’s a good sign you should divide it. Don’t be scared, it’s good for the plant!
Here’s how you do it. Get yourself a good shovel and start diggin’ around the plant. Be careful not to chop the roots too much. Once you get it outta the ground, look at the roots. See them little pink buds? That’s where the new growth comes from. You wanna cut the root ball into pieces, makin’ sure each piece has some of them pink buds.
Cut the root ball into pieces, each with pink buds.
Don’t be shy, now. You gotta be firm. Use a sharp knife or shovel and just cut it. It might feel a little scary, like you’re hurtin’ the plant, but you’re not. You’re actually helpin’ it!
After you cut it up, you can plant them pieces in new spots. Dig a hole, put the piece in, and cover it up with dirt. Pat it down real good and give it some water. And that’s it!
Now, some folks say you can divide them plants every three to five years. That’s probably a good idea if you want more plants or if your plant is gettin’ too big. But you know, plants are like people, they’re all different. Some might need dividin’ more often, some less. You just gotta look at your plant and see what it needs.
And remember, dividin’ plants ain’t just about gettin’ more plants. It’s about keepin’ them healthy. Sometimes a plant just needs a fresh start in a new spot. It’s like movin’ to a new house, you know? Sometimes a change of scenery is good for ya.
So, there you have it. That’s how you divide them bleedin’ heart plants. It ain’t rocket science, just a little garden know-how. Don’t be afraid to try it. Your plants will thank you for it!
And one more thing, propagatin’ plants is a good way to save money. Instead of buyin’ new plants, you can just make more from the ones you already have. That’s what I always say, waste not, want not!
Tags: Bleeding Heart, Plant Division, Garden Tips, Propagation, Spring, Fall