SIB: Dividing, water sources
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: SIB: Dividing, water sources
- From: "* D* H* <r*@dmv.com>
- Date: Mon, 24 Mar 1997 06:14:23 -0700 (MST)
Julie Finn inquires about dividing Siberians. Siberians are a little
tempermental about bloom when they are divided into small divisions.
They are a great border plant and the decision to divide for me is based
more on personal taste than horticultural correctness. When I am sharing
plants with friends (doesn't help the nurserymen) I just cut a pie wedge
from a clump and backfill with soil. I remember cutting big wedges out
of 'Super Ego' for a friend as he looked on in horror. His wife said
"Dennis, you're too generous. My husband would never massacre one of his
plants for anyone." In my feeble opinion, all I was doing was giving it
room to grow. The next season, you couldn't tell it had been touched. So
Julie, if your tastes dictate that clumps should be of similar size,
then for you across the Chesapeake, you should lift and divide in late
summer. If you want lots of plants, cut them down to 4 fan divisions.
Cut foliage back to 4-6 inches and replant immediately. Keep them wet.
Otherwise, just go at it with a sharp spade and cut wedges out to
replant.
Patti's problem with pH on her limestone bluff is not easy. As an
alternative to hauling water as Celia suggests, how about catching
rainwater? Just locate that toy pool loaded with Siberians by the down
spout.
R. Dennis Hager
on Delmarva, where pH is low and water is plentiful.
