Chrysanthemums

Can mums be successfully grown as perennials in our area?

Yes, many of the newer varieties are hardier than those available in the past. Minnesota has done a lot of work developing mum varieties which do well in this area.

When and in what type of location should mums be planted?

Mums are best planted during the month of May. They do well in most fertile garden soils and prefer full sun to a very light shade.

Can mums which are received as gift plants be grown outdoors?

After they have finished flowering, they can be cut back and be planted out, but usually they won't flower before it freezes in the fall and won't overwinter. Generally they are not worth the effort unless you need another green plant in your landscape.

Which varieties of mums would be best for this area?

We have a bulletin on mums which lists many good varieties, but if you are in a greenhouse or nursery and don't have a list, any of the Minnesota varieties would do fine in our area. Many of there varieties have Minn as part of their name such as Minnpink, Minnautumn, etc.  Always select varieties which are listed as early to mid season flowering.

Daylilies

When is a good time to dig and divide daylilies?

Daylilies should be dug and divided in late summer or early fall. This gives the plants time to become established before winter sets in.

How should they be divided?

After the old clumps are dug up, divide them by gently pulling the divisions from the clump. Each division should have at least three stems with all the roots attached. After you have made the divisions, cut the foliage back to 5-6".

What type of location would be good for daylilies?

They will do well in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Light shade during the hottest part of the day keeps the flowers fresh longer. Daylilies are adaptable to most soil but do best in a rich moist soil that is high in organic matter.

How often should daylilies be divided?

The old fashion orange flowering varieties are very vigorous and should be divided every couple of years to prevent over crowding. The newer varieties are not as vigorous and can be left for a longer period of time.

Iris

When is the best time to dig and divide the iris?

Late July or early August is the best time to dig and divide the iris. They should be dug and divided every few years to prevent them from over crowding.

How are the iris divided?

After digging the roots or rhizomes, remove the segment with leaves from the older segments. This is the current seasons growth and is the portion of the plant which is kept and reset. Always discard any of the divisions which are weak or diseased.

How are iris divisions planted?

Set the divisions in a hole large enough to easily accommodate the attached fibrous roots. The top of the rhizomes should be level with the soil surface. Firm the soil down well around the divisions, cut the tops back to 6 inches and water in well.

Should iris be planted singly or in groups?

Guess that's pretty much a matter of personal taste, but you get a better show of flowers if plants are grown in clusters of 3-5 plants .

Peonies

When is the best time of the year to divide and transplant peonies?

Late August or early September is the best time of the year. If you choose to plant them in the spring, a year's bloom is usually lost.

What type of site is best for growing peonies?

Peonies prefer full sun. Don't plant them under shade trees or on the north side of the home.

How do you divide peonies?

Dig the clumps by digging around the roots on all sides and carefully lifting the clumps. Cut the tops back to about 4". Don't break off the side roots. Shake off the excess soil and wash the roots with a hard spray of water. Divide the clumps with a knife or sharp spade. Allow from 3-5 eyes on each clump. Don't plant the top of the divided clumps more than 2" deep.

Why don't newly planted peonies flower?

If the eyes are deeper than 2" the plants won't flower. Also, if they are planted in a shady area they will flower very sparsely.

This page was last updated August 2002

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