When it comes to the rhythm of the garden, ornamental grasses dance to a slightly different beat than your standard herbaceous perennials. While you might be used to splitting most plants during their dormant winter slumber, grasses demand a bit more warmth and activity before they are ready to be disturbed. The golden rule for success is to wait until the plant has shaken off its winter lethargy and is growing vigorously. This ensures that the root system is active enough to recover from the shock of the spade and quickly anchor itself into its new home.

The process begins by lifting the entire clump, which can often be a surprisingly heavy task depending on the maturity of the grass. Once the root ball is out of the ground, you’ll want to divide it into relatively substantial sections. It is tempting to try to create dozens of new plants from one large parent, but grasses are patient growers; if you tease them into pieces that are too small, they may struggle to establish or take years to look like anything more than a stray tuft of hay. Keeping the divisions chunky gives them the best head start.

When you go to replant, pay close attention to the depth. They should sit in the soil at exactly the same level they were previously; planting them too deep can lead to rot, while planting them too shallow can leave the crown vulnerable. After tucking them in, a thorough watering is essential to settle the soil around the roots. You’ll need to maintain a weekly watering schedule until you see clear signs of strong, independent growth.

Of course, some grasses are more than happy to do the propagating for you, seeding themselves until they form congested patches. Simply lift the entire young “volunteers” and reposition them where they have more room to breathe. This gentle thinning allows each plant to reach its full, graceful potential without competing for light and nutrients.