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How and when can I dig up my 15-year-old peony plants?

Last Updated: September 21, 2011

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WHEN:  Late August or September or mid-March. 

HOW: Cut off the leaves and stems close to the ground. Carefully lift the clump, taking care not to damage the roots.  If you want to divide the peonies: Wash off the soil with a garden hose. Use a sterilized, sharp knife to cut the crown apart. Each division should have two to five eyes.  Planting depth is important. On clay soils, the eyes should be 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. On lighter soils, sand, sandy loam, etc., the eyes should be 2 to 3 inches beneath the surface. Once peonies are dug or dug and divided, they may not bloom for three to five years.  For more information, click here: Transplanting Peonies.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, flowers, transplant, divide, peony, zone 6a-7b, herebaceous perennial


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