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Hollyhocks are tall, vibrant perennials that add a splash of color to any garden. They are known for their stunning, showy flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. To ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms next year, fall is the ideal time to divide hollyhocks. Properly dividing and caring for these plants can rejuvenate them and promote vigorous flowering.
Why Divide Hollyhocks in Fall?
Dividing hollyhocks in the fall offers several benefits. It helps control the size of the plant, prevents diseases like rust, and encourages new growth. Additionally, dividing in the fall allows the plant to establish roots before winter, leading to stronger plants in the spring.
When to Divide Hollyhocks
The best time to divide hollyhocks is in late fall, after the plant has finished blooming and the foliage begins to die back. Ideally, this is when the plant is entering dormancy. Avoid dividing during extreme cold or early spring, as the plant needs time to recover before the growing season.
Steps for Dividing Hollyhocks
- Prepare your tools: Gather a sharp spade, garden fork, and pruning shears.
- Water the plant: Water the hollyhock thoroughly a day before dividing to reduce stress.
- Dig around the plant: Carefully dig around the base, about 12 inches from the center, to loosen the root ball.
- Lift and divide: Gently lift the plant and divide the root ball into sections using a sharp spade or garden knife. Each section should have healthy roots and at least one growing point or crown.
- Trim damaged roots: Remove any dead or damaged roots with pruning shears.
- Replant the divisions: Plant each section at the same depth as the original, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted divisions well to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
Post-Division Care
After dividing, give your hollyhocks proper care to ensure successful establishment. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid fertilizing immediately; wait until new growth appears. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, especially rust, which hollyhocks are prone to.
Additional Tips for Healthy Hollyhocks
- Support tall plants: Use stakes or cages to prevent damage from wind.
- Prune regularly: Remove dead or diseased foliage to improve air circulation.
- Water consistently: Hollyhocks prefer evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells.
- Divide every few years: Regular division keeps plants healthy and vigorous.
By following these steps, gardeners can enjoy lush, vibrant hollyhocks year after year. Proper division and care in the fall set the stage for a spectacular display of flowers next summer and fall, making hollyhocks a perennial favorite in any garden landscape.