How to Separate Hardy Hibiscus

Prepare the new planting area for the hardy hibiscus plants that you intend to separate. Loosen the soil to a depth of 1 foot and remove rocks and other debris. Water the soil to a depth of 10 inches.

Water the hardy hibiscus two days before you dig it up. Water to at least 12 inches deep.

Measure the diameter of the hardy hibiscus' main stem, 6 inches above the soil. Each inch of trunk diameter roughly equals 12 inches of root ball diameter, so multiply the main stem's diameter by 12 to determine how far away from the plant to begin digging. For instance, begin digging 36 inches away from a hardy hibiscus with a main stem that measures 3 inches in diameter.

Mark the soil to outline where you will be digging. Use rocks or flour from the kitchen. Insert the spade at the outline, with the back of it facing the hardy hibiscus, and cut around the hibiscus, pulling the spade toward you to create a trench as you dig.

Insert the shovel or spade under the plant and pry it from the soil.

Gently wash the soil from the hardy hibiscus root ball with water from a hose.

Determine where to cut the root ball. As long as each piece has roots, you can cut it into as many pieces as you like.

Cut completely through the root ball. The tool to use for this depends upon how large and thick the roots are. Smaller hibiscus root balls can be separated with the thrust of a shovel through them. You may need to use an ax to sever thicker roots.

Replant the hardy hibiscus divisions immediately after separating them.