Dividing a clump in spring

A clump of torch lilies can become crowded after several seasons. The middle dies back, flower spikes shrink, and the outer leaves sprawl. Dividing the clump in spring splits the crown into smaller pieces, each with roots and at least one growing point. It is one of the few jobs that renews a clump rather than only tidying it.

Spring is the right time because the new shoots show clearly. You can see which parts of the crown are alive and which have died back, so you can choose the sections to replant with some confidence. Dividing in winter leaves less time for the roots to settle before the growing season, which is why the spring page is the place to plan the job.

What you need

• A spade or fork with a sharp edge
• A hand fork or trowel for loosening soil
• A sheet or tarp to lay the clump on
• Fresh soil or compost for the new site, with good drainage
• Gloves for handling the leaf edges

Steps

1. Water the clump the day before, so the soil is moist and lifts with less damage to the roots.
2. Cut the old leaves back to a hand's width above the crown, so the clump is easier to handle.
3. Push the spade into the soil around the outer edge of the clump, a little way out from the crown, and lever the whole clump up gently.
4. Lift the clump onto the sheet. A large clump is heavy, so lift with your legs and ask someone to help.
5. Shake off loose soil and look at the crown. Find the sections that are firm and pale and carry new growth points.
6. Separate the sections by pulling them apart or cutting between them with a clean, sharp blade. Keep roots on each piece.
7. Discard any dark, soft or hollow centre that has no growth points left.
8. Replant each section at the depth it grew before, with the crown at or just above the soil. Firm the soil gently around it.
9. Water in well, then keep the soil moist without letting it become wet for the next few weeks.

Signs to check

Firm, pale crown

Healthy tissue that can root in new soil. Keep these sections.

Soft or dark patch

Rot. Cut it away, and keep the section only if the rest is firm and pale.

Growth point

A bud or new leaf tip. Each section needs at least one to restart.

After replanting, the sections need a season to settle. They may flower less in the first year, and that is normal. Keep the soil moist, keep the crowns clear of leaf litter, and let the new leaves show before you judge the result. For what the rest of the year looks like around this job, see the spring page.