Can I relocate/divid some of my perennials in early summer (July) to start a new flower bed?

Question

I live in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5.

Answer 1

Yes certainly, If you want a lot of new plants it's better to take out half and leave half in. Then divide the half you've taken out down to slips. (single stemmed pieces with a little root attached) . Do this in a shady spot and pot up (you can do several to a pot). This is preferable to tearing it up because that way you get lots of damaged roots that rot and block the penetration of good soil. You can look after the pots better and easier too by keeping them in relative shade and easing them out into the sun before planting out.

Answer 2

If you can still buy perennials in you garden stores then it is OK to dig em up and relocate.  You probably won't get much  beauty out of them this year  but it will give you the chance to work your soil really well with good soil giving them a chance to take hold before winter.  Many people dig and share at this time of year when they want to rearrange  or make smaller clumps. Might be helpful to give them a good drink of transplant solution...have fun!

Answer 3

In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the plant’s energy can go to root and leaf growth.

If you divide in the spring, allow enough time for roots to settle in before hot weather. Spring division is ideally done in the early spring as soon as the growing tips of the plant have emerged. Spring divided perennials often bloom a little later than usual.

Never divide perennials on hot, sunny days. Wait until a cloudy day, ideally with several days of light rain in the forecast.