What to do with perennials in September for healthy plants

Perennials are plants that keep returning to bloom for more than two years. They have strong, deep root systems and, depending on conditions, they generally go dormant in cold weather and flower again when things warm up. Varieties include hellebores, sedum, asters, foxgloves, geums, iris, lupins, poppies and hardy geraniums.

To keep the cycle moving, there are a few important jobs to do to help them look healthy and full of vitality when they emerge again in spring.

We spoke to our gardening experts to find out what these jobs are.

1. Lift and divide

‘Lift and divide any clumps that are congested or flowering...