Yes — this is **Phlox paniculata**, and it’s a good candidate for division if the clump is getting large or congested. In Helen and Dave’s garden, the phlox varieties include **‘Blue Paradise’, ‘David’ and ‘Rijnstroom’**, which like fertile, moisture-retentive soil, sun or light shade, annual mulch and good airflow to reduce mildew. ## When to divide it You can divide phlox either in **autumn** or **early spring**. As it’s now late September, autumn division is fine **as long as the ground is not waterlogged and there is still a little warmth in the soil**. That gives the pieces time to root before winter. ## How to divide your phlox ### 1. Cut the top growth back first Before digging it up, cut the stems down to about **10–15cm / 4–6 inches**. This makes the clump easier to handle and reduces water loss while the roots re-establish. ### 2. Water the plant before lifting If the soil is dry, water it well the day before. Phlox dislikes drying out, and watering helps the rootball lift more cleanly. ### 3. Lift the whole clump Use a garden fork rather than a spade if possible. - Push the fork in about **15–20cm away from the crown** - Work around the plant in a circle - Lift the whole rootball out gently Try to keep as many roots as possible. ### 4. Split the clump Shake or tease away some loose soil so you can see the crown. Then divide it into sections using: - Two forks back-to-back, pulling apart; or - A sharp spade or old bread knife for a dense clump Each new piece should have: - A good portion of roots - Several healthy shoots or buds - A firm, healthy crown Avoid making the pieces too tiny. Aim for divisions roughly **fist-sized or larger**. ### 5. Discard the tired centre If the middle of the clump is woody, weak or hollow, throw that part away. Keep the younger, stronger outer sections — these usually grow away best. ### 6. Replant straight away Replant the divisions at the **same depth** they were growing before. Don’t bury the crown too deeply. Space them about **45–60cm apart**, because phlox needs air movement around the stems. This is especially important because phlox can suffer from **powdery mildew**, particularly when crowded. ### 7. Improve the planting hole Before replanting, mix in: - Garden compost - Well-rotted manure or spent mushroom compost - A little general fertiliser if you haven’t already fed the bed Phlox does best in fertile, reasonably moist soil, and a compost mulch is recommended for keeping the plants strong. ### 8. Water in well Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Then keep the soil just moist through autumn if the weather turns dry. ## Aftercare - Add a **light mulch** around the plants, but don’t bury the crowns. - Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves and don’t compost badly mildewed material. - In spring, give them a balanced feed. - Watch for slugs around the new shoots next year — phlox can be vulnerable, and slug nematodes are useful if damage appears. The yellowing and spotting on the leaves in your photo looks like late-season stress, possibly combined with mildew/leaf spotting, so division and replanting with more space and fresh compost should help it come back stronger next year.