- 1). Slice into the ground 6 inches away from the base of the variegated liriope with a garden shovel. Do this in very late winter or very early spring when the soil is workable. In mild winter-climate regions, leaves may be partially evergreen, or the winter-killed leaves remain to reveal where the central core of the plant is in the soil.
- 2). Make cuts around the entire plant to create a 360-degree root ball. If the soil is too firm, back away two to three inches when slicing into the soil. It's better to have a larger root ball to later break away excess soil than accidentally chopping off plant roots.
- 3). Wedge the shovel under the plant and lift it up from the hole. Rest the plant's root ball on its side.
- 4). Slice the garden shovel downward into the root ball, splitting the liriope into two equal halves. Stabilize the root ball from rolling by placing a brick or spare tool under the ball.
- 5). Kneel down and examine the two root ball halves. Further break apart the plant, if desired, with your hands or by using a small garden trowel or long knife to make smaller plant divisions. Two or three divisions from one variegated liriope often suffice. You don't want very small divisions, since plants may not survive if their portion of the root ball is bruised and badly shredded.
- 6). Immediately replant the divisions in the garden, planting them at the same depth they previously grew. Water the plants to remove air pockets after planting and to bring soil particles in direct contact with roots.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -