This time, it struck a root mass and refused to budge.

Dig up such a plant in a year or two and the root mass will still be there.

Before plants are set in the ground, this root mass must be released - loosened and cut through with a knife.

If the root mass is really tight, lay the new plant on the ground and step on it.

If they are not divided, the root mass forms a hummock and pushes up in the ground.

Their root mass is wound around and around in the pot.

When dividing any perennials, it is important to lift, not pull, the root mass out of the ground.

Often these represent separate trunks growing from a single root mass.

The trick is to lift the root masses of these plants with the least harm.

Division may simply mean pulling the root mass apart to loosen individual plants.