STEP BY STEP How to divide kniphofias

You can give large herbaceous perennials a new lease of life by dividing the clump, removing the old sections and replanting the smaller, most vigorous pieces. Now is the best time to do this with fleshy-rooted perennials such as kniphofias, hostas, daylilies, delphiniums and agapanthus. The new plants will grow away quickly at this time of year, and it’s a good opportunity to remove perennial weed roots from the border too.

1 CUT around the clump with a spade, treading the whole depth of the blade into the ground to loosen the roots. Lever up the spade, making more cuts if it resists, then lift the whole clump out of the ground.

2 DIVIDE the clump into several smaller pieces by carefully cutting vertically through it with your spade, between the new shoots. Make sure each new piece has several shoots and roots. Discard any broken pieces.

3 SELECT pieces that have two or three strong shoots to replant. Use pieces from the outside of the clump, as these will be the youngest and most vigorous.

4 ADD garden compost and a light dusting of bonemeal to the soil before replanting the divisions with a trowel. Give each new plant plenty of room and firm it in well. Finish by watering generously.