Garden pinks, carnations and sweet Williams are just a few of the common names associated with the genus Dianthus, which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. Some species and cultivars grow as annuals while others grow as biennials or perennials. Border pinks (Dianthus plumarius), for example, is a perennial dianthus, and like other perennials in this genus, they need dividing every two to four years. The best time of year to divide perennial dianthus is in the spring, just as new growth begins and when the plants are fully hydrated.
Dig around your clump of dianthus, going about 6 inches deep with a spade. Cut under the clump and push down on the spade's handle to lift the roots from the soil. For large clumps, you can cut right through the middle as necessary to lift up more manageable sections.
Use a garden fork and your hands to separate the clumps. In general, divide dianthus clumps into four or five sections, each with top growth and roots. Discard sections that do not appear healthy, which are often found in the center of the clump.
Store your dianthus divisions in a container out of direct sunlight. Place a piece of wet newspaper on top. This helps prevent the divisions from drying out until you plant them back in the garden, which you should do as soon as possible.
Things You Will Need
- Garden fork
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