Do your peonies need to be divided or transplanted? They can be left alone for many years but eventually over crowding can produce fewer blooms, and unhealthy plants.
If you are looking for hints and tips for moving peonies, help is on the way-but really, transplanting peonies is very easy!
When you think it’s time, or you just want to share with friends and family, transplanting peonies is a quick job in the garden. September is the time to transplant. All you need to do is cut the stems near ground level, dig around and under plant carefully, and lift out of the ground. Try to get as much soil with the plant as possible. For best results, transplant it back into the ground as soon as possible.
If you are wanting to divide the peony plant, you do the same steps as you do when transplanting except when the clump has been dug up, remove the loose soil by giving the roots a gentle shake, then divide the clump into sections, being certain that each bit has at least 3 eyes (buds) and some strong roots.
When replanting them, dig hole just large enough to fit the entire clump. When placing the root ball, be sure that the eyes are 1 to 2 inches below soil level and cover with soil. Plants that are deeper than this will not bloom. After soil is replaced, water thoroughly. Peonies should be planted at least 3′ apart and grow best in full sun and well-drained soils. They also prefer winter mulching to help reduce frost heave (repeated freezing and thawing of the soil that could thrust plants out of the soil). Remember, transplanted peonies take a few years to produce full bloom again, but you will be well rewarded when they do.
