Transplant before or after the peony flowers?
BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
Embothrium
4 years agoRelated Discussions
bloom time after transplanting
Comments (2)I've had varied experiences transplanting peonies that have been bloomers. Some have bloomed very well the next spring, some have had a small amount of flowers, some have taken a year off. Peony flowers are always worth the wait! Judye...See Morepeony transplant in July
Comments (3)Large old peonies are going to have large old roots. Peonies grow large storage roots that look like sweet potatoes. When dug up they are brittle and easily break off. Normally when you are going to dig and divide in the fall when no foliage is on the plant, it is recommended that after digging you let the roots lie on the ground for a day or two to cause the roots to relax and lose the brittleness before dividing. Digging in July I would not divide now but replant as is with as little root disturbance as possible. For most soil textures this will mean soaking a day or two before digging. I would not fertilize now and plan on digging and dividing in the fall. Doing this will result in the least loss and the most possible divisions. Although the top of the roots are very close to the soil surface, the roots themselves can easily be two or more feet deep. Al...See MoreEmergency Tree Peony Transplant Quandry
Comments (2)Go ahead and plant your tree peony. Think of the pot in your case as a solid plastic bag used for carrying. Most of the posts concerning putting in pots concern plants that will be kept in the pot for awhile. I would not fertilize when you plant wait until after the first freezes or my favorite time late December through early March. Fertilizing now could stimulate the buds on the plant to put out growth at this time of the year. Several people I know use afalfa pellets because they only release nutriants as they breakdown. I would cut off the current leaves. When I cut the leaves off I leave the leaf stems on the plant as I have many deer and the crown of stems pricks their noses and they tend to leave them alone when I have the crown. The crown does not stop them from cutting the stems below so put a wire cage around the plant for at least this year. Go ahead and plant the root section that fell off depending on the type you may have additional plants from them but not often. If any branches have been broken during the trip cut them off and place in moist soil somewhere shady. I have had deer broken stems grow. As far as eyes you may find some on the tree peony but generally they develop later in the year. The stem of most tree peonies contain both root and stem forming cells. New stems will first appear as small buds, called eyes on regular peonies, then the buds will start to grow unfurling the stem then the leaves as it breaks surface. On your regular peonies you should see pink and/or white nubs on the roots. These are what are called eyes. The color of the bud makes no difference in the color of the bloom. You probably will need a saw to divide the peonies. After dividing I like to allow the cut area to dry before planting. In my type of soil a moist cut can invite all kinds of bacteria and fungi into the root. You probably will see all kinds of white roots they are fine but if you see any old roots that look like a beads of a string cut those off and throw in the trash. These are caused by a nematode that causes roots to have thes knots. Most soils have this nematode but if yours is one of the rare soils that do not have any you don't want to become infected. FYI look at tree peony to see if it can be cut apart to form two or more plants. Some of the older ones when the roots are washed off will divide themselves and you end up with several plants....See MoreTransplanting Peonies...and when?
Comments (6)Thanks Norm....I always enjoy reading your posts....I really think it would stress them out to move them just as they're beginning to bloom...having to literally burn the candle at both ends. I may move a few plants now just to see how they do and leave the rest until September. I already had a couple of nice plants; an unknown double pink (which was a pass-along plant from my dear Aunt and is at least 30-35 yrs old); and a 'Bowl of Beauty' that took several years before a I got blooms, but it now blooms prolifically. I've since added two tree-peonies and three unknowns. I can't wait to see them bloom. --Terry...See Moreken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years agoxylembutdeadly
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoBlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
3 years agoAlexUnder
3 years agoBlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
3 years agowoodrose
3 years agoBlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
2 years ago
Related Stories
INSPIRING GARDENSBefore and After: English Cottage-Style Garden Takes Root
A blogger shares money-saving tips as she walks us from designing the flower beds to building the greenhouse
Full StoryFRONT YARD IDEASBefore and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden
How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Peonies
Fancy some old-time romance and low-maintenance color in your garden? These long-lived flowers are just the thing
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENS7 Deer-Resistant Flowers for Your Summer Containers
Grow these as protection for edibles or just for their colorful beauty — deer might not like them, but everyone else will
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Grow a Flower Garden for Bouquets
Enjoy fresh blooms indoors, bring beauty and fragrance to your garden beds, and help support pollinators
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES9 Self-Seeders Capture Chelsea Flower Show Magic
Give your garden show-worthy style with these plants beloved by top designers
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESMake Sure You Read This Before Buying New Plants
Follow these 10 plant-selection tips to avoid buyer’s remorse
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES20 Favorite Flowers for Butterflies and Bouquets
Discover perennials and annuals that do double duty as butterfly magnets and versatile cut flowers
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESLet Lilac Love Flower This Spring
Whatever you bestow or receive for Mother's Day, lilacs can be an unmatched gift in the garden in May
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARD6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food
It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience
Full StorySponsored
AlexUnder