Laura Walters
Peonies are in my top five favorite flowers. It’s hard not to love their over-the-top gorgeous blooms. And, as a bonus, they’re easy to grow and can last for decades. One downside to these pretty perennials, is that they don't like to be moved. But it is possible, if you do it right.
Because peonies are so special and so long-lived, there may be times when transplanting peonies makes sense. Perhaps they’re not thriving where they are right now or you’re moving and you want to grow peonies at your new house.
When I tried to move my peonies for the first time, I ran into a few problems. But now, after some trial and error and research, I’ve learned the secrets to successfully transplanting peonies. Here’s what you need to know before you make the move.
What My First Peony Taught Me
When I moved into my current home, I didn’t know much about gardening, but the house came with peonies. I was thrilled because I love these showy flowers. After a few years, they seemed to be struggling.
A little research told me they had probably been planted in a spot without enough sunlight. Peonies can tolerate sun or shade, but too much of either isn't good. My plants were against a west facing wall of the house, but there were trees that shaded a lot of the afternoon sun.
I asked my husband to dig up my peonies one spring and move them to a better location. They promptly died. I worried I had made a huge mistake and mourned the loss of my three peony plants that year.
Ultimately, I found success transplanting peonies, but it took three years to master the details. The second year after moving, my peonies regrew, but they looked pretty sorry. Every year after that, they grew more and have thrived ever since.
Reasons To Transplant Peonies
Learning how to transplant peonies begins with understanding when and if they need to be moved. In my case, I moved my plants without really knowing what I was doing. As it turns out, though, I was right to do it. My peonies weren't blooming because they needed more sun. They likely would have continued to decline in their old spot.
Most peonies thrive for decades, even up to 100 years, in the same spot. So before you move one, make sure it’s really necessary. One reason is if you’re moving and want to take your favorite plants with you. Because these spectacular flowers last so long, it’s reasonable not to want to leave them behind.
Shading also often becomes an issue because peonies are so long-lived. In many cases, trees grow up and around them, blocking out sunlight. You can also dig up and divide peonies to propagate them. But you should only do this with large, vigorous plants. Also, be sure to use a sharp tool to dig and split plants, like this heavy duty stainless steel shovel from Amazon.
Best Time To Transplant Peonies
Once you decide your plants would benefit from a move, you need to know the best time to transplant peonies. While I was right to move my peonies to a sunnier spot, my timing wasn’t ideal.
Fall is the best time to move peonies. As peonies prepare for dormancy in fall, their growth slows. They are entering energy-saving mode, which this minimizes the stress of a big move.
September is a great time to move peonies in much of the U.S. since temperatures are usually beginning to cool. If you live further south, you can wait a little later. But don't miss your window in fall. Let peonies rest and recuperate in their new home for about a month before freezing temperatures arrive to help plants make an easy transition.
In spring, peonies are coming out of dormancy and are ready to grow and bloom. This magnifies the stress of moving them and increases the risk of transplant shock.
It’s possible to move peonies in spring, but realize that your plant probably won’t bloom again for a few years. Never move your peony at another time of year, only in fall or spring.
Transplanting Peonies the Right Way
First, choose a good spot for your peonies. The ideal location should receive full sun and have soil that drains well. The latter is important, so take time to dig down and determine if drainage is adequate. If not, amend the soil to lighten it. Add compost from your own stash or buy a high-quality compost, like this organic mix from Amazon, to improve drainage and add nutrients.
The health of the roots is critical when moving a peony. Start digging at least 18 inches (46 cm) out from the crown to ensure you don’t damage the roots. I find a large garden fork, like one of these from Amazon, to be a good tool for gently lifting out a big plant. You don’t want to grasp the stems to pull, as they can easily break.
If you’re dividing the peony to propagate more plants, rinse off some of the dirt and look for eyes. They’re little pinkish buds below the crown. Cut the roots so that each division you create has at least three eyes.
Finding the eyes is also important for placing the peony in its new spot. The eyes should be no more than two inches (5 cm) below the surface of the soil. Any deeper and the plant won’t develop and grow.
Use your hands to gently place the peony and fill in the hole with soil. Water it well and apply a thick layer of mulch around the plant. Continue with your normal fall peony care routine. Cut back peonies after the first frost to prevent disease and encourage plants to store energy in their tubers over winter that will turn into flowers in the following years.
When You Should See Signs of Success
Moving a peony is no more difficult than moving any other large perennial, but it does require patience before you see success. Especially if you transplant or divide plants in spring, it might seem like you’ve made a tactical error. Your plant probably won’t bloom this year or even the next year, but wait it out. By the following year, you should see new growth and flowers.
My peonies have done nothing but thrive since the third year after transplanting them. I was worried for a while, but I’m so glad I did it. They are much healthier, larger, and produce a stunning amount of flowers compared to their final year in their old home. So, learn from me and don’t be afraid to move your peonies.
