What Is a Crown Bud? Buds at the Base of Perennials
A crown bud is a bud on the crown of a perennial, the point where roots plus shoots join near the soil. The Iowa State University Extension glossary defines the crown as the transition area where roots plus shoots join, usually at soil level, plus an eye as an undeveloped bud.
The short answer
A crown bud is a growing point at the base of a perennial. Iowa State University Extension defines the crown as the area where roots plus shoots join, usually at soil level. New shoots rise from buds there each spring. Each division of a perennial should carry several shoots plus roots.
Where do crown buds grow?
Iowa State defines the crown as the transition area where roots plus shoots join. NC State notes hosta leaves emerge in early spring from this base.
| Plant | Crown note | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hosta | Divide in early spring as leaves emerge | NC State |
| Coral bells | Crown sits right at the soil surface | Minnesota |
| Heuchera | Very easy to divide | Minnesota |
| Most perennials | Each division needs 3 to 5 shoots | Minnesota |
How are crown buds spared during division?
University of Minnesota Extension advises dividing on a cloudy day plus watering the plant a day ahead. Each division should have 3 to 5 vigorous shoots plus a supply of roots.
What harms a crown?
NC State notes hosta can get root plus crown rot in poorly drained soil. Set crowns at the right depth in soil that drains well.
How to: step by step
- Locate the base of the plant where stems meet roots.
- Brush off loose soil.
- Watch for pointed buds or shoots.
- Water the plant a day before dividing.
- Lift the clump plus split it apart.
- Replant each piece with buds at their old depth.
Troubleshooting
Bald center in a clump: Minnesota notes this is a sign it is time to divide.
Crown rot: NC State notes it comes with poorly drained soil.
Few shoots on a division: cut larger divisions with 3 to 5 shoots.
For more on buds plus growth see life cycle of a marijuana plant, cannabis nodes and internodes plus cannabis root hairs. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Hosta, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Dividing perennials, University of Minnesota Extension
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 3: botany, NC State Extension
- Glossary of garden terms, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
FAQ
What is the crown of a plant?
The Iowa State University Extension glossary defines the crown as the transition area where the roots plus shoots of a plant join, usually at the soil level. Perennials such as hosta plus coral bells form buds on the crown that grow into new shoots each spring after winter rest.
When should hostas be divided?
NC State Extension advises dividing hostas every 3 to 5 years in early spring as leaves are emerging. At that stage the crown buds are easy to see plus the new shoots are short. Lift the clump, split it so each piece has buds plus roots, then replant at the same depth.
How many shoots should a division have?
University of Minnesota Extension advises that each division have 3 to 5 vigorous shoots plus a supply of roots. Small pieces with one shoot may grow slowly. Divide on a cloudy day plus water the plant a day ahead so the roots hold moisture while out of the ground.
Do crown buds need cold?
Some plants need a cold rest. NC State Extension notes hosta needs a period of temperatures below 40°F for a couple of months. Its foliage dies back at 28°F or below. The crown then rests in the soil plus sends up new leaves from its buds in spring.
Why are coral bells easy to divide?
University of Minnesota Extension notes coral bells are very easy to divide because their crowns sit right at the soil surface. You can see the crown buds without digging deep. Lift the plant, tease the crowns apart by hand or with a knife, then replant each piece at the same level.
