This tangle of hostas was overcrowded and needed dividing. I carefully dug around the plant, lifting as I worked. The smaller clump easily broke free from the central plant—just enough to replant, while keeping the central plant healthy.
October 18, 2025
Stories this photo appears in:
October 18, 2025 1 a.m.
Fall perennial care: What to prune and divide now
As temperatures cool down, the garden seems to come alive again, especially with the recent rains. Dahlias, zinnias, and phlox all appear to deepen in their colors, providing one last burst of beauty before frost arrives. Once the first frost arrives, typically by mid-to-late October, it’s time to prune many perennials and divide them if needed to promote healthy blooms in the spring.