How to Divide Peonies

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By kansasterri
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Dividing peonies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Peonies can be divided or moved when they are dormant. The books say that they are best divided in the Fall, but, I have had excellent results dividing them in the spring BEFORE they start growth.
Step 2

Dig up the peony. You will have a cluster of roots and stems.
Step 3

Break off the larger stems or a clump of small stems. The VERY small ones will not do very well, but, the larger ones will do very well indeed!
Step 4

Immediately plant the stems where you want them to grow. I tried to plant them at the same depth as they were when I dug them up.
Step 5

That's all! Instead of buying more peonies at $10 each, I divided the one plant that I did have.

I got 3 healthy plants that now bloom: the smaller divisions (stems about 2 inches long) are puny and might not ever do well.