Peonies are perennial plants (evergreen), easy to grow and flower, and have a long life span. Unlike other parenial flowers, clumps of peonies don't need to be divided (the seedlings are separated) and moved to a new place to continue flowering. However, if the peonies are starting to fill the garden or you want them to grow elsewhere in the yard, the best time to divide and transplant them is at the start of the rainy season.
Step
Step 1. Cut the peony stems at the base of the plant ahead of the rainy season
Step 2. Prepare the new planting area
Prepare the soil for the new plant before you dig up the peonies and transplant them. Plant the freshly divided peonies as soon as possible to prevent the roots from drying out.
- Choose a place that gets full sun. While peonies can live in shade, they grow best in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Dig up the soil and enrich it with peat moss or compost if necessary. Peonies will thrive in rich, well-drained soil.
Step 3. Dig under the clump of plants to remove as much of the roots as possible
Step 4. Shake the plant gently to remove any remaining soil
This way, you can see the roots more clearly. You will see shoots (eyes) above the root structure. Rinse the roots with water from the hose.
Step 5. Cut the clump into smaller pieces using a sharp knife
Make sure each section has at least three shoots and an adequate root system.
Step 6. Dig a hole for the new plant that is slightly larger than the roots
Step 7. Place the peonies in the hole with the shoot depth 2.5 to 5 cm below the soil surface
If the shoot is buried more than 5 cm, first lift the plant and add soil to the hole. Peonies planted too deep are unlikely to flower.
Step 8. Fill the hole with soil to the brim
Press the soil to compact it.
Step 9. Water the peonies with plenty of water
Water the peonies well for the first few weeks as the main roots of the new plant begin to grow.
Step 10. Cover the area above and around the plant with straw or other organic mulch such as sawdust, husks, and leaves, 7 to 12 cm high
A layer of mulch will help protect the soil if it rains too heavily.
Step 11. Remove the mulch after the heaviest rains have ended, before the plants begin to sprout
Tips
- Sometimes peonies can grow well in one particular place for years, then stop flowering suddenly. If this happens, dig up the plant and move it elsewhere to revitalize and rejuvenate it. You can divide the clump or remove the whole plant.
- Freshly transplanted peonies will not flower for up to 1 to 2 years. Some gardeners believe that if a peony blooms the first year after transplanting, you should remove the flower buds to help the plant flower more in the years to come.
