Question
Hello Laura,

I live in northern TX and have an abundance of these two plants on my property.  Each fall, I cut them back as far as I can, which is the state they are presently in.  The clumps have  thickened considerably, and I would like to divide them up this spring and transplant.  However, I am not sure how or when to do this.

Also, I have a small amount of hen and chickens which are still living, but are lying on top of the soil.  Can I just dig up the spot and secure them in the soil again?

Thank you!


Answer
Nancy,
The Cannas are much easier to divide than the Miscanthus. The Cannas are tubers that are dug up and sliced into small tubers and then replanted. The Miscanthus is a thick rooted ornamental grass that,if allowed to grow years without division is very difficult to dig and divide unless you have a very sharp spade or an ax.
The Hens n Chicks are succulents like cactus. They don't require much soil depth or any water.They grow right on top of the soil or in pots where they are less likely to be disturbed.
Have fun with your gardening!