The Best Time to Transplant Peonies

Planting

• Plant peonies in full sun and rich soil amended with plenty of compost and composted manure. Good drainage is essential; peonies won't tolerate soggy soil. Dig a large hole, amend the soil from it and form a mound of amended soil in the bottom of the hole. Rest the peony rhizomes atop the mound so the buds will be 1 inch below the surface of the soil when the hole is filled. Fill the hole with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle the plant. Mulch with 1 inch of compost, straw or bark chips.

Moving

• If peonies become shaded by trees or large shrubs over time, you can move them to full sun. In late August or early September, cut the peony stems to the ground. Dig up the clump with a spading fork, starting 8 inches away from the base of the plant so as not to damage the thick roots. Lift the entire plant onto a piece of burlap or a tarp and move it to the new site. Plant it in amended soil and water thoroughly. A transplanted peony may not bloom well the first or second year after the move.

Dividing

• While peonies can remain undisturbed for many years, you may want to make divisions to share with friends or to plant in other parts of the garden. The time for this is also late August or early September. Using a spading fork and starting 8 inches away from the base of the plant, dig up the entire peony. Shake or wash off the soil. Use a sharp knife to divide the rhizomes, making sure each one has two "eyes" or buds. Replant or pot immediately.

Care

• Mulch newly planted or transplanted peonies with 3 inches of straw, shredded leaves or compost to protect the plant during its first winter. Pull the mulch back from the base of the plant in early spring when growth begins. It's a good idea to clip off the flower buds of newly planted or transplanted peonies so they can devote their first year to growing roots and leaves.