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Hollyhocks are charming, tall garden flowers that can add a splash of color and vertical interest to your landscape. However, like many perennials, they require periodic dividing to maintain their health and vigor. Knowing when and how to divide hollyhocks can ensure they continue to thrive year after year.
Why Divide Hollyhocks?
Dividing hollyhocks helps prevent overcrowding, reduces the risk of disease, and encourages new, healthy growth. Over time, the clumps can become congested, leading to weaker plants and fewer flowers. Regular division keeps your hollyhocks vigorous and ensures they produce abundant blooms each season.
Signs Your Hollyhocks Need Dividing
1. Reduced Flower Production
If your hollyhocks are producing fewer flowers than usual, it may be a sign that the plants are overcrowded and need dividing to stimulate new growth.
2. Overly Congested Clumps
When the plant’s center becomes crowded with new shoots and the clump looks dense and bushy, it’s time to divide. This prevents the plants from becoming weak and spindly.
3. Declining Plant Vigor
If your hollyhocks seem to be weakening, with fewer leaves and less robust stems, dividing can rejuvenate the plant and promote healthier growth.
How to Divide Hollyhocks
Dividing hollyhocks is best done in early spring or late fall. Follow these steps for successful division:
- Prepare your tools: sharp spade or garden fork, and clean gloves.
- Water the plant thoroughly a day before dividing to ease soil removal.
- Carefully dig around the base of the hollyhock clump, lifting it out of the ground.
- Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and several shoots.
- Replant the divisions at the same depth as before, spacing them adequately.
- Water well and mulch around the new plants to retain moisture.
Care Tips After Dividing
After dividing, give your hollyhocks some extra care to help them establish:
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Stake taller varieties to prevent damage from wind.
- Remove any diseased or damaged leaves promptly.
Conclusion
Dividing hollyhocks is a simple yet effective way to keep your garden healthy and vibrant. Watch for signs like reduced blooms and congested clumps, and act promptly to divide and rejuvenate your plants. With proper care, your hollyhocks will reward you with stunning flowers season after season.