Roots on my red hot poker growing on top of ground

Question

I have had my red hot poker planted in the same place for 10 yrs we had a very cold winter in North Carolina I cleaned my plants out this week some of the roots have rotted and growing on top of ground is this normal or do I need to replant the few plants I see coming back

Answer 1

It sounds like it is time to divide the plants. Dig up the entire clump and try to pull sections apart. Often the center is old and lackluster so it is tossed out and newer growth on the periphery is kept. If the clump is hopelessly tangled, force a spade through the middle and then try to pull off sections. Dig some compost into the soil and replant as many sections as desired.