I remember the first time I realised my black-eyed Susans had taken over their corner of the garden. What had started as a small patch of cheerful yellow blooms had transformed into a sprawling jungle, with plants crowding each other for space. While it was lovely to see their enthusiasm, I knew it was time to intervene. Dividing and transplanting black-eyed Susans isn’t just a practical way to manage their growth—it’s also a chance to spread their sunny charm to other parts of your garden (or even share with friends!).
Here’s my tried-and-tested process, complete with a few lessons I learned along the way.
Why Divide and Transplant Black-Eyed Susans?
Black-eyed Susans are hardy perennials that thrive on a bit of tough love. Over time, their roots become crowded, and their blooms may dwindle. Dividing them every 3–4 years rejuvenates the plant, giving it space to grow and flourish. For me, it was also a chance to fill some bare spots in the garden without spending a penny on new plants.
When’s the Best Time to Divide Them?
Timing is everything. Autumn or early spring is ideal because the plants are either winding down for winter or just waking up for the growing season. I chose an early autumn afternoon—it was cool enough to work comfortably, and the soil was still soft from a recent rain.
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather your tools:
– A sharp spade or garden fork
– Gardening gloves (trust me, those stems can be a bit scratchy!)
– A trowel
– A bucket or wheelbarrow for transporting the divided plants
– Compost or organic matter to enrich the new planting spots
Step 1: Prep the Plants
I started by watering the black-eyed Susans the day before. Moist soil makes the digging process so much easier, and the plants recover better after being transplanted.
On the day itself, I took a good look at the plant and decided which clumps needed thinning. The centre of older plants often becomes woody and less productive, so I focused on the healthier growth around the edges.
Step 2: Digging Them Up
This part can feel a bit brutal, but it’s necessary. Using my spade, I dug a wide circle around the plant, about 6–8 inches away from the base, to avoid damaging the roots. With a gentle push and lift, I eased the clump out of the ground.
I’ll admit, I was worried I might hurt the plant. But black-eyed Susans are tough cookies—they bounced back from my rough handling without a fuss.
Step 3: Dividing the Clumps
With the clump out of the ground, it was time to divide it. I used my spade to slice the root ball into smaller sections, each with a healthy portion of roots and foliage. For smaller clumps, my hands did the trick—just gently pulling apart the roots.
At first, I hesitated, worried I might damage the roots. But then I reminded myself: plants like Rudbeckia thrive on this process. It’s like giving them a fresh start.
Step 4: Preparing the New Homes
Before replanting, I prepped the new spots. Black-eyed Susans love full sun and well-draining soil, so I picked sunny areas and worked in some compost to give the roots a nutritious start.
Step 5: Replanting
Placing each divided clump into its new hole, I made sure the crown (where the roots meet the stems) was level with the soil surface. I filled in around the roots, firming the soil gently with my hands to remove air pockets.
I spaced the clumps about 18 inches apart to give them room to spread. Standing back to admire my work, I could already imagine how vibrant the garden would look next summer.
Step 6: Watering and Mulching
After planting, I gave each clump a good soak to help the roots settle in. Then, I added a layer of mulch around the base—not only to retain moisture but also to keep the weeds at bay.
Step 7: Patience and Care
Transplanted plants often look a bit droopy at first, and my black-eyed Susans were no exception. But within a week, they perked up, their leaves looking fresh and green again.
I kept an eye on them, watering regularly (but not too much!) and checking for any signs of stress. By the following season, they were thriving, with blooms as bright and cheerful as ever.
The Joy of Sharing
One of the unexpected joys of dividing black-eyed Susans was having more plants than I needed. I ended up gifting a few clumps to friends and neighbours. Seeing their gardens light up with those golden-yellow blooms felt incredibly rewarding.
Final view
Dividing and transplanting black-eyed Susans might seem like a daunting task, but it’s surprisingly straightforward—and the results are well worth the effort. Not only do your plants grow healthier and more vibrant, but you also get to spread their sunny beauty across your garden (and beyond!).
If your black-eyed Susans are starting to look a bit crowded or tired, don’t hesitate to give them a new lease on life. Trust me, they’ll thank you with a spectacular display of blooms for years to come.