Transplanting
Peonies
If you are
planning on transplanting
peonies into your
own garden, you must
put some forethought
into this process
before you actually
begin. Peonies require
a high quality soil
with excellent drainage,
and about four to
five hours of sunshine
per day. If these
conditions are met,
you will likely be
able to grow beautiful
tree peonies that
will bring forth
gorgeous blossoms
each spring. First
and foremost, the
best time for transplanting
peonies is in the
fall or very early
spring, when the
plants are dormant.
If
you are transplanting
an established
peony in the
early spring
or in the fall
(around the time
of the first
frost), you can
begin preparing
it for its trip
by digging around
the entire plant
to the drip line.
Gently lift the
plant from its
previous home
by holding onto
it from all sides.
The roots will
gradually lift
and they should
be about as deep
as the plant
is tall. If you
are moving your
peony to another
spot within the
same garden,
make sure that
there is excellent
water drainage
in that area
and sufficient
sunlight.
If
you will be transplanting
peonies to an
entirely different
location, it
is vital that
you protect the
root ball during
transit. You
may want to wrap
the root ball
in tarp or put
it in a tub during
transport. Keep
in mind that
the new site
should have at
least four to
five hours of
morning sun,
or receive dappled
sunshine all
day. The soil
should have a
pH of 6.5 to
7.0, which can
be achieved by
mixing in lime
and finished
compost. Make
sure the crown
of the plant
is slightly below
the soil level,
and then begin
filling in the
hole with soil,
alternating with
water to remove
any air pockets.
Transplanting
Peonies with
Care
It's best to take some time to ensure that your peony will have an easy transplant
by following the above-mentioned steps. That way, you can feel secure knowing
that your peony will thrive in its new location. At Cricket Hill Garden,
we welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have about transplanting
peonies safely. Please feel free to call us toll free at 1-860-283-1042 for
further details about transplanting your peonies. You can also send us an
email at crickethill@treepeony.com.
