In New Zealand, When May I Transplant Peonies?

Peonies are easy to grow when planted in the right location and given proper conditions. They can be divided or propagated in autumn, but only for mature clumps, as they may take a year to settle back into flowering well again. To transplant peonies, aim for fall when the plant is dormant, making it safer to move it to another spot.

Transplant herbaceous peonies in September, when they’re past their summer growth and entering winter dormancy. However, it’s possible to dig and plant the entire root ball in mid-winter when the plant is not in active growth. To transplant a Tree Peony, try carrying out the process in mid-winter when the plant is not in active growth.

Peony root clumps are typically divided and transplanted in autumn, as this is when the peony plants are most active. Planting is best done in autumn, unless using containers, with placement and preparation being key to success. Choose a well-drained space where the plants will get full.

Seeds can be planted in seed-raising mix in shallow pots topped with grit during autumn, leaving the pots outside. Label carefully as growth is very slow. Divide a peony plant by digging it up and separating the roots into smaller sections. Plant tubers in a well composted hole with no deeper than 5cm eyes (buds) for best results.

Keep peonies away from trees and shrubs, as autumn is the best time to plant, as it gives time for feeder roots to develop before top growth commences.

When can peonies be divided and transplanted?

Fall is the optimal time to divide and transplant peonies, as they can overtake an area or grow in too much shade. Plants transplanted in the fall have time to establish roots and produce spring blooms. Dig up a clump of roots, separate it from the main plant, and leave healthy stems and leaves attached. Cut divisions with at least three to five buds, called eyes, to grow into next year’s shoots. Plant the divisions approximately 1 inch deep to prevent them from blooming next year. Transplants take about three years to display full blooms.

Can you move peonies in the summer?

Transplanting peonies can be done during spring or summer, but the chances of success are less likely. The soil must be optimal for roots to adjust and establish in their new location. Peonies thrive in fertile, well-draining soil ranging from 6-7 on the pH scale. To transplant peonies, trim the plant, dig up the entire shrub, and leave 8-10 inches of soil space from the stems. Cut through the root ball, leaving between 3 buds per section. Shake off excess soil 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 upon planting. 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 at success is possible. Treat peony plants to bone meal or other organic fertilizer, and wait for anticipated blooms. The transplant process can take several years, but the benefits of the transplant are worth the wait.

Can peonies be dug up and replanted?

Transplanting peonies involves trimming the stems of herbaceous and ITOH plants before the ground freezes for winter. Herbaceous peonies can be trimmed to the ground before winter freezes, while intersectional peonies should be trimmed to the ground or to the point where the green stems become woody. Woody peonies should never be trimmed or the stems cut, and leaves can be removed from the main stem. Peonies typically need to be transplanted about once every 10 years, but this process may affect the plant’s bloom time.

The first year may not produce a bloom, and if it does, it will be smaller. As the plant matures and the root system grows, mature full-size flowers will be produced. Gently dig around the plant using a shovel to avoid hitting roots.

Do peonies like sun or shade?

Peonies require 6-8 hours of sun daily, with some protection from hot afternoon sun in zones 8-9. They thrive in areas with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. There are four main types of peonies: woodland peonies, tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and intersectional peonies. These beautiful perennials bloom around Memorial Day, with some blooms growing up to 9 inches. Peonies are deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them suitable for gardeners who struggle with animals eating their plants. They can be found in old cemeteries or abandoned farmsteads, as they have received little care for years.

How do you take care of peonies in New Zealand?

Peonies are a cold-weather plant that requires winter chilling for flowering. They prefer full sun but can grow with partial shading. Plant them in a well-composted hole in autumn through late winter, with the buds no deeper than 5cm deep. Avoid mulching to prevent disease. Cut stems above ground level in autumn and remove debris. In spring, spread a small amount of general plant fertilizer around the plant. Peonies bloom from late spring to early summer, depending on the location and variety.

How long is peony season NZ?

New Zealand peonies bloom from mid-September to December, with Coral Peonies starting to bloom in mid-late September. The colors change with different flowering times of various peony varieties. We sell various Coral Peonies, including Coral Sunset, Coral Charm, Coral Supreme, Bridal Gown, Red Charm, Chippewa, Inspector Lavergne, Festiva, Dutchesse de Nemours, TDR (aka Karl Rosenfield), Pink Hawaiian, Mon Jules Elie, Sarah Bernhardt, and Dinner Plate. Assorted flowers are also available. Our flowers are mainly sold online.

Where is the best place to plant peonies NZ?

The plant exhibits optimal growth when cultivated in a cool, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6. 5-7. It is optimal for cultivation in a protected location with full or partial sunlight.

What time of year do you divide peonies?

Fall is the optimal time to divide and transplant peonies, as they can overtake an area or grow in too much shade. Plants transplanted in the fall have time to establish roots and produce spring blooms. Dig up a clump of roots, separate it from the main plant, and leave healthy stems and leaves attached. Cut divisions with at least three to five buds, called eyes, to grow into next year’s shoots. Plant the divisions approximately 1 inch deep to prevent them from blooming next year. Transplants take about three years to display full blooms.

When to move peonies in NZ?

Transplanting herbaceous peonies in September is the optimal time for their growth and winter dormancy. However, planting the entire root ball in spring can also be done before the plants start to sprout new growth. Disturbing peonies at any other time may stress them out. To divide peonies, gently dig up the plant, keeping as many roots as possible. Pull up a lumpy crown with small reddish buds and stringy roots. Shake or wash most of the soil off the roots.

If the crown has at least six eyes, divide it to energize the peony and get more flowers in the future. Use a sharp blade to slice the crown into pieces with at least three eyes each. For optimal flower production, peonies need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, with part shade providing fewer flowers. Soil should drain well and avoid planting in rain-puddled areas.

How to transplant a peony?

September is the optimal time to transplant established peonies. Cut the stems near ground level, dig around and under each plant, and retain as much root system as possible. Replant the peonies in a sunny, well-drained site. Divide large clumps into sections with at least three to five buds and a good root system. Peonies thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, so choose a location with six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Improve poorly drained soils by working in compost, peat moss, or leaf mold.

Can peonies be moved in summer?

Transplanting peonies can be done during spring or summer, but the chances of success are less likely. The soil must be optimal for roots to adjust and establish in their new location. Peonies thrive in fertile, well-draining soil ranging from 6-7 on the pH scale. To transplant peonies, trim the plant, dig up the entire shrub, and leave 8-10 inches of soil space from the stems. Cut through the root ball, leaving between 3 buds per section. Shake off excess soil 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 upon planting. 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 at success is possible. Treat peony plants to bone meal or other organic fertilizer, and wait for anticipated blooms. The transplant process can take several years, but the benefits of the transplant are worth the wait.