How do you transplant peonies in the summer
Andrew Campbell
Published Apr 12, 2026
Avoid transplanting peonies in summer unless circumstances demand it. Before transplanting peonies, prepare the new planting hole. Dig it 12 to 24 inches deep and then backfill it halfway using more compost than soil. For best growth, peonies need well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
Is it OK to transplant peonies in the summer?
Avoid transplanting peonies in summer unless circumstances demand it. Before transplanting peonies, prepare the new planting hole. Dig it 12 to 24 inches deep and then backfill it halfway using more compost than soil. For best growth, peonies need well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
How do you move peonies in the summer?
It is important to dig a large root ball and replant immediately with as little disturbance to the root ball as possible when transplanting in spring, summer or very late in fall. To transplant now, cut the foliage back and use a sharp, flat spade to make a cut around the peony in preparation for lifting the root ball.
Can you dig up peonies in July?
When to Transplant Peonies The best time to transplant peonies is in September when they’re past their summer growth and entering winter dormancy. But it’s also possible to dig and plant the entire root ball in the spring before the plants start to sprout new growth for the season.When can I move my peony?
The best time to move them is when the plant is dormant, sometime between October and March. Dig around the roots, disturbing as little of the rootball as possible and transplant them to their new home. Peonies can even be divided to make new plants when you lift them.
Where do peonies grow best?
‘ Peonies like full sun and will bloom best in warm, bright spots. Be sure to plant the flowers away from tall trees or thick shrubs as peonies do not like to compete with other plants for sunlight, food or moisture. They must be grown in deep, fertile soil that is moisture-rich and drains well.
Where can you transplant peonies?
Choose the right location for transplanting. Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Space peonies 24 to 36 inches feet (61 to 91 cm.) apart. Allow sufficient spacing between peonies and shrubs or other perennials which may increase in size over time.
Can you move a peony in spring?
When to move and divide a peony This can be any time from October to February.Do peonies like sun or shade?
Herbaceous peonies prefer at least 8 hours of full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but they will not flower as readily. The only expections are some of the infrequently grown Asian woodland species, which require part shade.
What are peony eyes?The eyes of peony roots are bullet-shaped pink buds growing from the crown of the plant. Each eye represents a potential stem for next year. A new division needs ample roots. Too many eyes with just a little root will struggle to thrive.
Article first time published onHow deep are peony roots?
In order to set their flower buds, peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2-to 3-inches deep.
Can you move peonies after they bloom?
Large, poorly blooming peonies should be dug, divided, and transplanted to improve performance. Moving established plants is a simple procedure. Cut the peony stems near ground level in September. Then carefully dig around and under each plant.
Do peonies need a lot of water?
Peonies are drought tolerant for short periods after establishment but best growth and healthier roots stem from consistent watering. On average, plants need 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week.
Do you deadhead peonies?
Do you deadhead peonies? … Experts recommend people deadhead peonies when they start to fade. Rather than just extracting the head, they should cut the plant back to its leaf bud. Doing so will help keep the rest of the bloom healthy and the surrounding area tidy.
How deep do you plant peony tubers?
Don’t dig deep Remember not to plant your peony too deeply. The tuberous roots must not be planted more than about 2.5cm below the surface.
Should peonies be divided?
Unlike many perennials, peonies don’t typically need to be divided. In most situations where these old-fashioned favorites are growing in an ideal setting, you probably won’t need to handle dividing peonies for 10 or 15 years.
How do I get more peony blooms?
Try feeding your peonies with a liquid fertilizer in the spring to increase the chances of flower production. Peonies also need some cold weather to make blooms. If you live in a warm climate, you may notice that your peonies produce flower buds that never open.
Do peonies multiply?
The only way to multiply peony plants is to divide peonies. … These will actually be the part that comes through the ground after planting and forms a new peony plant when you divide peonies. After rinsing, you should leave the roots in the shade so they soften up a bit. They will be easier to cut.
What is the best fertilizer for peonies?
A bulb fertilizer, perennial fertilizer, or 10-20-20 is a good option. Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen to prevent the peony from putting up too much dense, leafy growth and to encourage blooms. Fertilize first thing in the spring, when you see new shoots starting to come out of the ground.
What time of year is best to plant peonies?
When to Plant: Bareroot peonies can be planted in spring or fall. The plants are not frost tender, so they can be planted 2 to 3 weeks before your frost free date. Potted peonies may be planted at any time during the growing season.
Do peonies like coffee grounds?
Coffee Grounds and Peonies In regards to peonies, it is best to stay away from pouring your used coffee grounds on the soil around peonies and other perennial flowers.
What pairs well with peonies?
Peony blooms open to a round shape, which pairs smartly with flowers formed along a spike. Good spike bloomers that flower when peonies do include foxglove, delphinium, lupine and clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata). False indigo (Baptisia australis) is another great spike bloomer for pairing with peony.
Do peonies need ants to bloom?
It is a myth that peonies require ants to bloom. The relationship between peonies and ants is a type of mutualism in which two organisms of different species benefit from the activity of one another. Peony flowers provide food for ants and in turn, the ants protect the blossoms from other floral-feeding insects.
Do peonies spread?
The common peony types that you see people putting in their yards are known as herbaceous peonies. They grow as tall as three feet and have a spread of between two and four feet depending on various factors.
Why are my peonies not blooming?
The most common reasons peonies fail to bloom are cultural (planting in too much shade and planting too deeply). Remember that peonies are tough and often survive for many years in “not so ideal” sites. However, if they fail to bloom one year – watch out – everyone notices! Peony.
Should I soak peony roots before planting?
Sometimes bare root plants can dry out during transit so it is a good idea to soak them in a bucket of water for 2 to 4 hours to rehydrate them before planting. If you cannot plant the tubers right away keep them in their packing material in a cool, dry place, such as a garage, or basement.
Should you mulch peonies?
Best Mulching Practices For the first winter, newly planted peonies should be mulched with organic material such as straw or evergreen boughs, or mound up the soil around them to prevent heaving of the roots. Remove the mulch in the spring before new growth begins.
How long does it take peony to grow from root?
Unlike annuals, peonies take 3 – 4 years to become a fully established blooming plant. The first year of growth is focused on root production and becoming established in the garden. If blooms occur the first year, they may be smaller and not of the typical form or color of a mature planting.
How do I plant a peony root?
Set the root so the eyes face upward on top of the firmed soil, ensuring the eyes and crown are 2 inches below the soil surface. (In southern states, choose early-blooming varieties, plant them about an inch deep, and provide some shade.) Don’t plant too deep or your peony will not bloom once established.
Can peonies grow in pots?
Peonies thrive in pots in USDA zones 3 to 8. … Other than that, growing peonies in containers is very straightforward. Water when the top few inches (8 cm.) is dry, fertilize in spring, and provide some structure for the bush as it grows since the heavy blooms tend to knock over the foliage.
How do you transplant a mature peony?
Begin by cutting the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible. Promptly replant the peonies in a sunny, well-drained site.