How to Transplant Tree Peonies

Tree peonies are deciduous shrubs that reach a mature height of around 3 to 4 feet. They are a hardy perennial that blooms in early summer and has a white, pink or dark red bloom. They delight gardeners by giving off a light, sweet fragrance. This ancient flower dates as far back as 1000 B.C. and has a very long lifespan. A few specimens of these plants have been known to reach an age of 100. They can be transplanted in the fall.

Things You'll Need

• Flat blade shovel
• 2-inch PVC pipe 3 to 4 feet long
• Cypress mulch

Instructions

1. Prune the roots to prepare your tree peony for fall transplanting in the spring or summer. Use a flat-tipped shovel with a sharp edge to chop into the soil at the roots. Form a circle around the tree peony about 1 to 2 feet from the center trunk of your plant.

2. Dig a trench around the plant just past the section where you root-pruned your peony during the summer. Do this just before the danger of early frost. Dig into the ground about 2 feet deep, taking care to get underneath the root system.

3. Install a piece of PVC pipe around 2 inches in diameter and 3 to 4 feet long to support the plant and its root system. Lay the pipe underneath the roots of the tree peony and use it as leverage to help keep the root system intact. You may want to have a friend help you by holding onto one end of the pipe while you lift the other end.

4. Evaluate the tree peony's condition. You will not be able to remove all of the root system. See how much of the root system is intact. Prune your bush according to the amount of root system lost. If half of the root system is gone, prune away half of the bush. Remove dead leaves and stems so they will not be a drain on the remaining root system.

5. Transplant your peony to its new location, which should be in full sun. If the bush is unusually large, you may want to divide it in half before replanting. Dig a hole at least 2 feet wide and 2 to 3 feet deep for each plant. The location should also be at least 5 feet from other trees or shrubs. Place the entire plant into the hole and cover the root system entirely with dirt. Add additional potting soil if neccessary. Water well while temperatures are warm, moistening the surrounding soil as you water.

6. Add a thick layer of cypress mulch or pine straw to the area. The mulch should be about 2 inches thick and cover the area around the tree peony the circumference of the blooms. Check the peony periodically throughout the winter to see if the mulch has decayed. If this is the case, add another layer, especially if you live in extremely cold climates.

References

• Fine Gardening: Moving a Tree Peony
• Demense: Peonies