How to Transplant Peony Plants
The peony is a large, blooming plant that produces great numbers of fragrant flowers in the spring. The two types of peonies generally grown in the United States are the tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) and the garden peony (Paeonia albiflora or Paeonia officinalis). Each species of peony produces an assortment of flower shapes and colors---red, pink, coral and yellow among them---when in bloom. While garden peonies are herbaceous perennials that grow to approximately 36 inches high during the warm growing season, tree peonies are bushlike plants that do not die back in the winter. Transplanting peonies should be done in the fall, well after the plants have stopped blooming. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden shears, loppers or bypass pruners
- Garden spading fork, or shovel
- Garden hose
- Sharp knife
- Topsoil
Instructions
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1
Cut the peony stems to near ground level with a pair of garden shears, loppers or bypass pruners. Remove the cut stems from the area for easier access of peony plant roots.
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2
Carefully dig around the peony roots with a garden spading fork or shovel, and bring to the soil surface.
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3
Shake off the excess soil and then wash off as much of the remaining soil as possible with a garden hose to locate the proper division areas.
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4
Divide the peony roots or tubers with a sharp knife. Each root division should contain three to five healthy buds, or eyes, and three to four thick roots to create a successful peony transplant. Cut off any fading or diseased buds and roots before replanting.
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5
Dig a hole in the replanting site large enough to accommodate the root system of the new plant. Place the peony root in the hole, and make sure the buds on the root are planted no more than 2 inches below the soil surface.
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Fill hole with topsoil, and water the peony root thoroughly.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant the new peonies in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Cover peony transplants with a 2- to 3-inch covering of organic mulch or wheat straw in the late fall to prevent damage from freezing soil in the winter.
