How-To

Dividing Plants with Underground Running Roots

By Janet Macunovich
Dividing Plants with Underground Roots
Janet Macunovich demonstrates how to divide perennials with underground running roots by cutting up pieces with an eye or sucker already forming away from the main plant. This method works for hardy geraniums, Japanese anemones, and plum poppies.
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      Underground running roots can develop suckers as they grow beyond the shade of the mother clump. These suckers can be cut away from the main plant, or you can dig up the main plant and cut away any piece with an eye or sucker already forming.

      Plants with underground running roots: hardy geraniums (Geranium spp. and cvs., Z 4–9), Japanese anemones (Anemone × hybrida cvs., Z 4–8), ostrich fern (Matteuccia pennsylvanica, Z 3–8), plume poppies (Macleaya spp. and cvs., Z 4–9)

      In this video, author and instructor Janet Macunovich demonstrates how to divide perennials with underground running roots.

      Related videos

      Introduction to Dividing Perennials

      Dividing Plants with Roots That Form Offsets

      Dividing Plants with Surface Roots

      Dividing Plants with Taproots

      Dividing Plants with Woody Roots

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      10 Tips on Dividing Perennials

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