September marks a perfect time for Georgia gardeners to prepare for future blooms. By propagating certain flowers now, you’ll enjoy a burst of color in your garden during the cooler months and into next spring.
Taking cuttings or dividing plants this month gives them time to establish roots before winter arrives.
1. Autumn Joy Sedum
Fall-blooming sedums thrive when divided in early September. Simply dig up the plant, split the root ball into sections, and replant in well-draining soil.
These drought-tolerant perennials produce stunning pink to copper blooms that attract butterflies. Once established, they require minimal care and return year after year with increasing vigor.
2. Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia’s cheerful golden blooms can be easily multiplied through division. The plant naturally forms clumps that become crowded over time, making September ideal for splitting and expanding your collection.
Georgia gardeners love these native flowers for their heat tolerance and long blooming season. Each division will grow into a full plant by next summer, creating waves of sunny yellow throughout your landscape.
3. Purple Coneflower
Echinacea roots can be divided in early fall when temperatures begin to cool. Look for plants at least three years old with multiple stems growing from the base.
Georgia’s clay soil actually suits these native beauties quite well. After dividing, water thoroughly but don’t overdo it – these prairie natives prefer things on the drier side. By next summer, your new plants will attract bees, butterflies, and even goldfinches!
4. Russian Sage
Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from your established Russian Sage plants while they’re still actively growing in September. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in sandy soil.
The silvery-blue flowers and aromatic foliage make this a standout in Georgia gardens. Your cuttings will develop roots within a month and be ready for transplanting by spring, creating dramatic purple spires that thrive in our hot summers.
5. Blanket Flower
Gaillardia’s fiery blooms can brighten any Georgia garden. September offers the perfect opportunity to divide established plants or collect seeds from spent flowers.
When dividing, ensure each section has both roots and shoots attached. These heat-loving perennials establish quickly and will reward you with bold red-orange blooms from early summer through fall next year. Their drought tolerance makes them perfect for Georgia’s unpredictable rainfall patterns.
6. Shasta Daisy
September is prime time to divide these classic white bloomers. After a few years, the centers of Shasta daisy clumps often die out, making division not just possible but necessary for plant health.
Dig up the entire plant and separate the outer sections with a sharp knife. Each division should have roots and several leaves attached. Georgia gardeners appreciate how these cheerful flowers thrive in our climate, creating months of bright white blooms against dark green foliage.
7. Yarrow
Yarrow’s feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters make it a garden standout. September division gives new plants time to establish before Georgia’s winter arrives.
Simply dig up established clumps and pull apart sections with your hands – no tools required! Each piece needs only a few roots to thrive. Available in colors from white to deep rose, yarrow attracts beneficial insects while tolerating poor soil and drought conditions that challenge many other perennials.
8. Bearded Iris
September marks the ideal time to divide overcrowded iris rhizomes. Look for fans of leaves connected to thick, horizontal roots – these are your propagation gold!
Cut rhizomes into 3-inch sections, each with a fan of leaves and healthy roots. Let cuts dry for a few hours before replanting. Georgia gardeners particularly value bearded iris for their drought tolerance once established and their stunning spring displays in colors ranging from deepest purple to delicate peach.
9. Salvias
Georgia gardens benefit from salvias’ long bloom time and heat tolerance. September offers perfect conditions for taking stem cuttings from these versatile perennials.
Snip 4-inch sections from non-flowering stems, remove lower leaves, and place in moist potting mix. Keep cuttings in bright, indirect light until roots develop. From deep blue to vibrant red, salvias attract hummingbirds and butterflies while deterring deer – a winning combination for Georgia gardeners!
10. Garden Phlox
Tall garden phlox creates magnificent summer color but benefits from division every 3-4 years. September’s cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to rejuvenate these classic perennials.
Dig up entire clumps and separate the healthiest outer sections, discarding the older center portions. Georgia gardeners find that regular division improves air circulation, reducing the powdery mildew issues that can trouble phlox in our humid climate. Your reward? Fragrant flower clusters that attract butterflies.
11. Coreopsis
Golden coreopsis lights up Georgia gardens with cheerful daisy-like blooms. September division helps maintain plant vigor and increases your flowering display for next season.
Mature plants form natural clumps that can be easily separated with a garden fork. Each division quickly establishes when planted in well-draining soil. These native perennials thrive in Georgia’s heat and humidity while attracting pollinators. Some varieties even bloom into fall, providing extended garden interest.
12. Verbena
Georgia gardeners treasure verbena for its heat tolerance and extended bloom period. Take stem cuttings in September to multiply these butterfly magnets.
Select 3-inch sections from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and place in moist potting mix. Keep soil consistently damp until roots develop. Whether you choose the upright or spreading varieties, verbena’s clusters of tiny flowers in purple, pink, or white create lasting color while handling Georgia’s challenging summer conditions with ease.
13. Dianthus
Sweet-scented dianthus offers Georgia gardeners both fragrance and color. September provides ideal conditions for taking stem cuttings from these charming perennials.
Clip 3-inch stems without flowers, remove lower leaves, and dip in rooting hormone before placing in sandy soil. Keep lightly moist until established. From classic pinks to deep reds, dianthus creates low-growing carpets of color that thrive in Georgia’s full sun locations and well-draining soil.