Peonies

[vicki]

Hi everyone,
My friend is moving and can't take her plants with her. She has given them to me, but I must move them NOW. Question is
will it kill peonies to dig them now? 2 really good size plants about 3 ft. tall, should I divide them after cutting back? Looks like each plant could make 3 or 4 nice sized ones, (with 4 or 5 eyes).
Any opinions?

Thank you very much!

Happy Growing
Vicki in West. Mich.

[Log Cabin Pat]

Vicki
Finally some one from the north, When I lived in Mich I thought Ky. was in the south, but now I find out it is, not north, not south. zone 6 is just a number between 5 and 7 and we never know what winter is going to bring.
Go ahead and dig the peonies, It sounds like they need to be separated. I think they need it every 5 years. Plant them very close to the top of the ground or they will not bloom. Pay attention how deep they are planted when you dig them up and plant at the same depth. cut back the tops and do not fertilize until next spring. good luck

Pat

[Sally in NC]

Hi,

There is an excellent article on transplanting & dividing peonies in the Oct. issue of Fine Gardening........

hope this helps

Sally