Move now or spring

jaffacakes

Hi all,

Planning on moving a few plants and dividing. Some include Aster monch, rudbeckia goldstrum, Miscanthus, perennial sunflower lemon queen. Most are later flowering so i was thinking of leaving until spring and just take note of where they are. It would allow me more time to plan the layout and perhaps extend borders over winter. What do you all think? Maybe i could lift and pot up now?

Also wanting to add more evergreen structure next year. I thought there was a bit too much colour this year so something nice to front of border that is low to break things up. Buxus is the obvious choice but would they look strange dotted around the garden? Any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks

AnniD

I think it might be a bit late to divide the Helianthus Lemon Queen, and l would definitely leave the miscanthus until Spring  .

Obelixx

In my experience, late flowering perennials are best moved in spring when you can lift divide if necessary and re-plant and they will grow away well.

Grasses such as miscanthus can sulk if moved when the soil is wet and heavy so, with those too, I've always found it best to move them in spring at the time you're cutting back all the old stems to let the new shoots thru unshaded and undeterred.  However, if your winters are mild and your soil doesn't get cold and claggy in autumn you may get away with it.

 

jaffacakes

Thanks AnniD. I meant for next year 🙂 I would have thought it's a bit early instead. Mine still have some flowers. Not in best location though. Would probably go well with the miscanthus and aster I thought too.

jaffacakes

Thanks Obelixx. Spring it is so. Probably suits me better to plan it. 

Fairygirl

I'd agree that the Miscanthus should be left - grasses tend to sulk at this time of year, so spring is always better for them.
Most perennials can be divided, but I would tend to leave the late ones too, as @Obelixx says. Even in good conditions, it might be a bridge too far. 
If it's suiting you better for spring anyway, makes sense to wait. Just make sure you label them so you know where they are