After Peonies Blossom, Can They Be Moved?

The best time to transplant herbaceous peonies is in September, when they are past their summer growth and entering winter dormancy. However, it is possible to dig and plant the entire root ball in the spring before the plants start to sprout new growth for the season. Disturbing peonies at any other time of the year will not be successful.

Transplanting peonies can seem like a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. Each fall, as the summer blooms fade and leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to dig up and move these timeless plants. If you transplant peonies in the spring, the plant will direct its energy toward budding leaves and flowers, weakening its ability to secure the root system.

Transplanted peonies will not flower properly in the first spring after being moved and may take a few years to get back to its full blooming potential. Peonies are deep-rooted plants and not suited to being moved. By addressing these troubleshooting tips, you can help your transplanted peonies overcome wilting or yellowing leaves and encourage a bountiful display.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the process of transplanting peonies in spring, from selecting the ideal location to providing post-transplant care. Ideally, peonies should be transplanted in September, October, or November after they have bloomed. September to November represents the best window for transplanting peonies, as the plants are starting to enter their period of dormancy.

Peonies typically die back in the fall and set their buds then for the spring, making autumn the best time of year to transplant them. Technically, you can transplant the peony in the spring just as new growth occurs, but it may not bloom well that season.

How do you keep peonies blooming all summer?

The item is now prepared for refrigeration and has been wrapped in Saran Wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain its quality, in accordance with the instructions provided.

Can I transplant peonies in the summer?

Peonies should be transplanted in late August or early September, as they should only be divided or transplanted every ten years or so. It is not necessary to divide them for decades. A sharp spade should be used to create a neat incision around the root mass, after which the plant should be replanted at the same depth as the original planting location. The University of Minnesota Extension has published a bulletin on the subject of dividing perennials, which is applicable to peonies.

Do peonies multiply on their own?

1. Dig around the peony plant using a sharp spade, ensuring not to damage the roots. Rinse the roots with a hose to remove any dirt and identify the crown buds. Leave the roots in the shade to soften them and make cutting easier.

2. Cut the roots back to about 6 inches (15 cm.) from the crown, as the crown grows into the peony. Each piece should have at least one visible crown bud.

3. Continue dividing peonies until you have as many as possible from the original roots. Plant the pieces in a suitable location, ensuring the buds are not more than 2 inches (5 cm.) under the soil. Store the pieces in peat moss until ready to plant on a warmer day, but don’t store them too long to prevent drying out and preventing growth.

By following these steps, you can propagate peony plants quickly and create many plants in no time. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

Can peonies bloom more than once?

Peonies can bloom for over 100 years, with each individual bloom lasting 7-10 days. To extend their blooming season, plant varieties that flower at different times within a 6-week period. These types are labeled as early, early-mid, mid, and late season. Early-season Peonies, which are the first to bloom, offer a variety of colors, forms, and fragrances. They are ideal for mild winter climates or areas with early summer heat, as they bloom before intense heat allows the plants to fully flower.

Early mid-season Peonies, which arrive between the first and mid-season Peonies, offer a wide variety of vibrant colors, fascinating flower forms, and incredible fragrance. By planting these varieties, you can extend the blooming season of Peonies and enjoy their unique beauty and fragrance.

Can peonies be dug up and moved?

Peonies can be left in their natural environment for years, but they may need to be moved to improve flowering or redesign a perennial bed or border. Established peonies should be transplanted in September, starting by cutting the stems near ground level and carefully digging around and under each plant. Replanting in a sunny, well-drained site is crucial. Large peony clumps can be divided into sections with at least three to five buds and a good root system.

Smaller divisions may take several years to develop into attractive plants. Peonies thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Poorly drained soils can be improved by working in compost, peat moss, or leaf mold.

What happens if you don’t divide peonies?

The common misconception that peonies cannot be divided is a misconception. Herbaceous, garden peonies are long-lived and do not require regular division. They can be left for years or decades without any encouragement. Time is the best fertilizer for peonies. The belief that peonies cannot be divided may be due to their lack of need, lack of desire to give them away, or old stories about woodpeckers pecking out the eyes of those who dug the roots. Peonies have medicinal uses, with Paeon being a physician of the Greek Gods and healing Ares and Hades with peony root.

Planting depth is another reason why peonies cannot be divided. If planted too deeply, the shoots will grow but not bloom, which can continue for many years. In summary, peonies can be divided for various reasons, including their long lifespan, lack of need for division, and the importance of planting depth.

Should I cut down peonies after they bloom?

After flowering, Peonies can be cut back to remove old flower heads and maintain their appearance. This applies to both herbaceous and Tree Peony plants. Regular deadheading can help keep plants blooming longer and maintain their green backbone in the perennial or shrub border. However, growers have yet to create a reblooming variety for Peonies, so it’s essential to continue snipping branch tips and removing old flower heads to maintain their blooming period.

Will peonies bloom again if you deadhead them?

The practice of deadheading peonies has been demonstrated to enhance the appearance of the plant, reduce the incidence of fungal infections, and redirect energy from the flower heads back into the roots and leaves, thereby enhancing flowering the following year. It is recommended that spent flowers be cut at the base, as the flowers of buddleia have a tendency to turn brown rapidly, which can result in the plant appearing to be in a state of decline. It is recommended that old blooms be pruned at their base in order to improve their appearance and encourage further blooms.

Do peonies need full sun?

Peonies thrive in full sun, with some afternoon shade for those in zone 8. They prefer fertile, rich, well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients. If poor soil exists, consider growing them in a raised bed for maximum drainage. Space peonies 3-4 feet apart for good air circulation. The Abalone Pearl peony is a stunning semi-double variety with pink-peach petals and orange anthers. To plant peonies, plant them in the fall when they are dormant, 4-6 weeks before a deep freeze.

Do peonies grow better in pots or ground?

Peonies thrive in a variety of soil types, including well-drained clay soil. To ensure optimal growth and bloom, it is essential to provide at least a half day of sun and good drainage. Some gardeners are planting peonies in large patio pots or raised beds, but it is crucial to ensure adequate drainage and watering more frequently than ground planted peonies.

To prepare the planting site, dig a hole about 15 x 15 inches and fill it with spaded soil. Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the ‘eyes’ facing upward. Plant the roots near the surface of the ground with just one inch to two inches of soil on top of the ‘eyes’. Avoid planting the peony roots too deeply, as this can result in foliage growth without flowers.

Newly planted bare root peonies will establish feeder roots when planted in the Fall, and winter freezing temperatures will not affect roots planted in the ground. Potted peonies require a large container with adequate drainage, and the eyes should be covered with only one inch to two inches of soil. Water the potted peonies thoroughly upon planting or transplanting, watering them every couple of weeks during dry weather. Once the fall/winter rains arrive, you may not need to water your peonies until you have dry weather in the spring/summer.

Once a peony plant is several years old, it is fairly drought tolerant, but they do appreciate a good watering every few weeks in hot summers. An established peony plant does not need frequent watering. Fertilize your peony plants early in the spring using a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage. If you are fertilizing potted peonies, use a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage.

Deadhead flower/seed pods after bloom and trim your peony stems to shape the bush as desired. If you want to let seed pods mature, leave them on the stems until they crack open in late summer. Plant the seeds in the ground or potting flats and keep moist until the fall rains come. Some seeds will germinate the following spring, while others will sprout the second spring.

Cut peony stems to ground level in the late fall and remove the stems and leaves from the garden for good sanitation. Do not compost peony leaves and stems. Mulching is not required in the Northwest, but some gardeners in very cold winter climates mulch for the winter, but be sure to remove the mulch in the spring to avoid planting too deeply.

Can you transplant peonies when they have buds?

Transplanting peonies involves carefully digging up the entire shrub, ensuring the full root ball is covered, and leaving 8-10 inches of soil space from the stems. Cut through the root ball, leaving between 3 buds per section, and remove dead growth and thread-like roots. Replant tubers with their growth buds no more than two inches beneath the soil surface, with buds facing upward. Backfill and firm the soil, and add 1-2 inches of organic mulch to protect the transplant from frost heaves.

Be prepared that the disrupted peony plant may not produce blooms for the first year after transplant. If the transplant was done in September, the best chance of success. Treat peony plants to bone meal or other organic fertilizer, and expect anticipated blooms that will be worth the wait.