SPLIT EARLY PERENNIALS

AUTUMN perennials are looking magnificent. But early plants such as lupins, phloxes and peonies will be ready for dividing. Choose a dry, mild day for this.

Begin by digging up the mature plant. You can often split large specimens by pushing two forks into the centre of the lifted plant and l evering them apart. With stubborn roots, chopping with a spade might be easier. I’ve even attacked a Phormium with an axe.

Once you’ve split your plant, tease out small outer sections — these have most vigour — making sure that each has healthy roots and at least one shoot.