Itoh Peonies: Can They Be Split?

Itoh peonies are a type of peony that can be propagated by division, which involves digging up the plant in the fall and carefully dividing the root ball into two or more sections. These divisions can be replanted in new holes and pruned in the spring by cutting the stems back to about 2 inches above the ground. Itoh peonies are deer-resistant and have a longer bloom period than herbaceous peonies, with most varieties forming a dense mound. They also have short, woody stems, similar to tree peonies.

Peonies do not need to be divided, as they can be planted and left in the same location for decades. They will do well as long as they receive ample light, have minimal root competition, and the soil is well-draining. Intersectional peonies, named after their original propagator Toichi Itoh, can be cut apart at the most narrow connections between larger pieces of root, each at least 6 inches long.

Itoh peonies can be divided in the fall, but the soil should be replaced or amended with a lot of organic matter. The first step in dividing intersectional peonies is to remove the ground covering or mulch from the soil surrounding the crown of the plant. While it may take longer to regenerate a decent clump, it is essential to note that the seeds of intersectional peonies are not viable.

Peonies do not need to be divided, as they can be planted and left in the same location for decades without drying out. Root division is the traditionally effective method of propagating all Itoh peonies, but it is important to be aware that peonies do not like being disturbed. The best time to divide peonies is in the fall, once the red “eyes” (next year’s buds) are visible at the base of the plant.

Does cutting peonies encourage growth?

Deadheading is a crucial part of plant care, involving the removal of faded or old flowers from plants. While some species may encourage more flower production, peonies only produce buds once per season. Deadheading prevents seed set, allowing plants to focus on their root system and the next year’s flower crop. It also maintains a neat appearance in garden beds. To deadhead peonies, simply snip back each stem to the nearest set of healthy leaves with sharp, clean pruners. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook.

How do you split and replant a peony?

Large peony clumps can be divided into sections with three to five buds and a good root system using a sharp knife. When replanting, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the entire root system and position the plant or division 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Peonies don’t need to be divided regularly, but large peonies can be divided if additional plants are desired. September is the best time to divide peonies, as plants have stored adequate food reserves in their roots for the following year and replanted divisions have several weeks to reestablish at their new sites before winter.

Do Itoh peonies multiply?

The traditional method of propagating all but the woody peony types, known as crown division, is effective with the Itoh Group sorts. During a propagation cycle of 3 to 4 years, the underground stem extends with tuberous growth and swells with food storage similar to the Lactiflora parent type. Tuberous food storage roots extend outward and downward but have a hard core, like tree peonies. After a three or four year cycle, well-grown plants will yield a comparable increase.

To support first-year growth, adjust the length of tuberous root on individual divisions to retain an approximately equal amount of food storage. When grown in raised rows, reset the stem buds so that they are deeper, to four or five inches below the top of the raised rows but not lower than the adjacent soil surface. This provides maximum flexibility of propagation choices, allowing gardeners to form stem buds at multiple levels: the original crown level, near or at the soil surface, and one, two or three internodes in between on the fully perennial portion of underground stems.

Some Itoh Group cultivars have proven successful in micro propagation, where a large number of plantlets can be produced in a comparatively short cycle. These plants can be grown on artificial media to establish upon transfer to soil, and those which survive the transfer can be cataloged for sale. Some micro propagated Itoh group peonies are now being offered for sale (inexpensively) in four inch pots. However, concerns about the root growth pattern of micro propagated peonies remain, as these plants’ roots grow in a tight whorl, which is not easily broken.

Can you split a tree peony?

Tree peonies are not suitable for division due to their slow growth and reliance on grafted herbaceous roots. They should only be divided if they are growing on their own roots. Tree peonies with only one or two main trunks should not be divided, as they may not be growing on their own roots and are still reliant on a large nurse root. It is important to note that divisions may take years to reach the grandeur of a mother plant’s peak bloom. In this case, dividing a tree peony with only two main trunks would result in no viable divisions.

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.

When should I split my 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.

What is the best way to divide a peony?

The peony should be divided using a sharp spade or pruning knife, with each root piece ensuring the presence of at least three to five eyes or buds, in accordance with the size of the plant.

How do you keep peonies blooming all summer?

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Do you cut back Itoh peonies?

In the fall, it is recommended that Itoh/intersectional peonies be cut back to a height of four to five inches above the ground. Additionally, buds on the stems should be examined to determine if they are present, as this trait is exclusive to certain varieties of intersectional 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”.

Do Itoh peonies need staking?

Paeonia ‘Cora Louise’ (Itoh Peony) is a popular perennial plant known for its beautiful flowers, fragrance, and bold foliage. It can grow for generations and is deer-proof, making it one of nature’s loveliest perennials. However, the large peony flowers can overheat stems, causing them to arch towards the ground and even break. Single or Anemone flowering peonies, with smaller flowers, are less prone to bowing and ‘kissing the ground’, but still need support to withstand the worst storms.

Peony rings are not a guarantee that hard rain won’t shatter the flowers, and they may make them appear in prison. Staking each stem may be the only way to keep the blooms upright above the foliage, but many gardeners are unwilling to devote that level of care.