How easy is it to divide Achillea?

Nollie

The one in question is three year old compact orange one called ‘Safran’. One of a group of three seems to have disappeared and I am wondering if I can split the bigger one. I don’t have much experience in dividing perennials as most haven’t needed it yet.

Any advice? Can I do it now? They are leafing up but a while to go before flowering. 

AnniD

I have just lifted and divided an achillea "Gloria Jean" through necessity rather than choice! 
I find they tend to fall apart into various sections but still connected by roots,  if that makes sense. I just pull them apart and pot them up and keep them on the damp side.
You should be okay to do it at this time of year .

Nollie

Thanks @AnniD, that’s very reassuring. I guess am being a bit over cautious in case I manage to kill off the big one and end up left with just the one! I shall gird my loins and get dividing 

Nollie

Done! these are 2L pots. I probably could have divided it into six, @AnniD, but it seemed to split easily into three and I didn’t want to be greedy. The other is a purple shrubby salvia Nachtvlinder, which had wandered off from the main plant and developed it’s own roots. Your encouragement and the current situation is getting me into rootling around to see what other plants I can divide now, so no bad thing. Cheers.

AnniD

No problem @Nollie
They look nice and healthy. I tend to let the plant decide for me as to how many sections l get.
Carole Klein would probably get 10, l'm quite happy with 4 !
That's the good and bad about Nachtvlinder, it does wander about,  but plenty of material for potting up.
Fingers crossed they all take.

Nollie

Indeed 🤞

Will let you know how they get on.