Dig them at least 2 feet deep (3 for heavy soils) and at least a foot square. How to Grow Peonies. Keep working around and under the crown until you have dug down between 8 inches and a foot. Water thoroughly and check the position of the crown. Set each new crown in the soil so that there is no more than an inch of soil above it. The procedure for dividing peonies is very simple. Peony flowers come in most colors, except for a true blue. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Set the extra soil aside and work in amendments, breaking the soil up into extra-light soil. Cut foliage down to about 2 inches to make the clump more manageable and buds easier to find. How to Grow Peonies. With breeders continually making … Clean the dirt (most of the dirt should fall off as the crown is lifted) off the crown when it comes loose by spraying it with tepid water. Add about a cup of bonemeal to the soil and tamp soil firmly. When you grow peonies, one of the most obvious ways to use peony blooms in your home is to use them as cut flowers for bouquets and other floral arrangements. The best time for propagating peonies is in autumn, after plants have become dormant. Learn how to grow peonies with planting and care tips from the pros. Gardeners in other zones can also try growing peony plants outside. After rinsing, you should leave the roots in the shade so they soften up a bit. Learn how to grow peonies with planting and care tips from the pros. Plant peonies roughly half a meter away from other plants so they have enough space to grow. He recommends planting peonies anytime from late September to early November. Slide show: 20 gorgeous peonies What’s new: Itoh, or intersectional, hybrids are crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies.They grow to 3½ feet tall; pump out flowers in shades of lavender, pink, copper, yellow, or cream; and bloom over a longer period than standard herbaceous types. Common issues when growing Peonies. Keep soil moist, but never wet. Tree peonies are woody perennial shrubs which thrive in hardiness zones 4 to 9.They bloom before the herbaceous peonies (April - May) and produce incredibly large flowers. First, you need to use a sharp spade and dig around the peony plant. Dig as many holes as you have divisions of three eyes. The only way to multiply peony plants is to divide peonies. You want to be sure to dig up as much of the root as possible. Tree peonies usually have wooden stems attached to the root clump, and grow into woody-stemmed shrubs. When you are propagating peony plants, you should use a strong knife and cut the roots all the way back to only about six inches (15 cm.) Like herbaceous peonies, Itoh peonies will come back in the spring from the ground. How to grow peonies from seeds. How to Plant Peonies. This might sound complicated, but it’s not. Plant your peonies well away from other trees and shrubs, since they don't like to compete for nutrients and water. Insert your shovel into soil just beyond the outermost leaves of the clump. Removing some of the roots stimulates root growth but removing more than one third of the root structure will seriously shock the plant. Again, this is because the crown grows into the peony and dividing peony plants requires a crown on each piece you plant. Tree Peonies. Provide shelter from strong winds. What Are Tree Peonies: How To Grow A Tree Peony, Itoh Peony Types – Tips On Growing Hybrid Peonies In The Garden, Red Peony Varieties: Picking Red Peony Plants For The Garden, Can You Grow Store Bought Potatoes - Will Store Bought Potatoes Grow, Bishop’s Cap Cactus Info – Learn About Growing A Bishop’s Cap Cactus, Silver Torch Cactus Facts – Learn About Silver Torch Cactus Plants, Learn More About Balcony Vegetable Gardening, Lilac Bush Is Not Blooming – Why Won’t My Lilac Bush Bloom, Plants Lost To Deer: Living With Deer Damage, Epic Garden Failure – Watering Plants And Killing Plants, Cactus Houseplants: My Journey Learning To Grow Cacti. For best results, you should choose a spot that provides direct sunlight throughout the day. However, at least one will do. You can improve your soil by piling some well-rotted manure or compost on top of it. Choose your location wisely as peonies resent disturbance. Potted specimens can be purchased and planted in the spring, but the best results will come from bare-root stock that is dug and shipped dormant in the fall. If your garden is on acid soil add a small amount of lime (a handful is enough) when planting. Zone 8 is the warmest zone for peonies. The most successful and easy way to propagate Peonies is to the division. How to grow peonies in your garden. I just leave them as-is every year but you can also try to propagate them. Count the eyes or buds on the fleshy crown and divide by three. Cover the crown with a towel if the air is cold. Root division or grafting is the only way to propagate this. Use sharp, clean pruners to cut apart the plant, leaving at least one large root and 3 to 4 eyes per clump. For instance, understanding how proper watering, soil content, and sunlight all work together will help ensure your peonies develop a strong root system that will support a long and healthy lifespan. from the crown. Soil pH should be neutral. Propagate peonies in the fall as peony foliage is dying down. One may assume that such a beauty would be fussy and challenging to grow. Sign up for our newsletter. You will want to make sure each piece has at least one crown bud. An avid perennial gardener and old house owner, Laura Reynolds has had careers in teaching and juvenile justice. Dust every cut with a fungicide to protect tender flesh from insects looking for a winter home. It is also surprisingly easy to grow. Peony care involves planting peonies in a sunny location with organic, well-draining soil. Potted specimens can be purchased and planted in the spring, but the best results will come from bare-root stock that is dug and shipped dormant in the fall. All Rights Reserved. In the South, growing peonies that flower can be pretty tough if you garden south of Birmingham, Alabama. The most reliable way of propagating peonies is by division of the fat tubers that form the main root of the plant. Unripe peony seed pods Photo :© Yvonne Cunnington. Exercise care when lifting crowns to leave as much of the root structure as possible intact. Insert your shovel into soil just beyond the outermost leaves of the clump. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Expect more bloom from 3-year-old peonies in 5-gallon containers. Water the Base of the Plant, Not Its Leaves. Once established, peonies will flower abundantly for many years. Use a 50-percent bleach or 70-percent rubbing alcohol with water solution to dip or wipe your knives and spades. Peonies need a total of 500 to 1,000 chilling hours to flower. Plant away from trees or shrubs as peonies don't like to compete for food and moisture. Sterilize tools when dividing crowns to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses. Purchase peony roots in the early fall before the first frost. Create a mound that is lower in the hole than the tuber mound and position the sapling so that the graft is 4 to 6 inches below the soil surface. They are also some of the longest-lived perennials, blooming for decades and demanding little care. In most of the country, the rules for success are simply full sun and well-drained soil. Propagate peonies in the fall as peony foliage is dying down. Cut the faded foliage back and lift the plant with a garden fork. Take care not to plant them too deep, give them rich soil and plenty of sun, and they'll be the belles of your border for several glorious weeks in early summer. The tree peony named the King of Flowers is a woody-stemmed deciduous shrub that flowers early in the season. Consider three-legged metal peony rings or wire tomato cages that allow the plant to grow through the center of the support. A retired municipal judgem Reynolds holds a degree in communications from Northern Illinois University. Peony care involves planting peonies in a sunny location with organic, well-draining soil. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds. Choose a well drained spot in the garden that gets full to part sun during the day and protection from the afternoon sun. Tree peonies are woody perennials that bloom on old wood, so there are no eyes to … Try to plant peonies in full sun and a fertile soil, which has been improved by digging in garden compost or well-rotted manure. However the process will be more difficult and more prone to failure. Unripe peony seed pods Photo :© Yvonne Cunnington. They require well-drained soil. Gardeners in other zones can also try growing peony plants outside. Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting. Once established, peonies will flower abundantly for many years. In the West, peonies grow best at higher elevations, where chilling hours accrue readily. Choose your location wisely as peonies resent disturbance. Simply plant the peony seeds much as you would beans. I’ve had a love affair with peonies for some time now: herbaceous, intersectional and tree peonies. Peonies are incredible plants, but they require deep root development before they can bloom. Peonies are popular for Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions such as … Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Solid pH should be neutral. For more details, see: How To Grow A Tree Peony and Pruning A Tree Peony; The herbaceous or bush peony is the more familiar garden type with a compact clump structure. A second method of dividing crowns is to cut straight into them while they are still in the ground. Unfortunately, you cannot grow peonies successfully in Florida, southern California and most of the deep south. Three visible crown buds is best. However, hardiness aside, you must know how to grow peonies to ensure you enjoy healthy, bloom-filled plants. How to Grow Peonies. It is also surprisingly easy to grow. All three types of peonies grow best in full sun but they don’t mind some shade during part of the day. Plant your peonies well away from other trees and shrubs, since they don't like to compete for nutrients and water. To lift and split entire clumps of peonies, start by digging around the plant very carefully. Fill holes to a depth of 8 inches with a mix of garden soil and manure, compost or peat moss to provide a light, well-drained base for your new peonies. Peonies like a good chill in the winter. A tree peony is a Gordian knot: one smart cut can get the job done ‘Shima Nishiki’ is a beautiful tree peony cultivar. 2 If your soil needs enriching, dig a hole 12–18 inches (30–46 centimeters) deep and equally wide. Be very careful not to damage the roots. Herbaceous peonies can be propagated by division in autumn. Too much water on its leaves can cause leaf diseases, while consistent watering of the plant's base will help it thrive. Most seeds should make a shoot in the coming spring/summer months. Cover the crown with a towel if the air is cold. Peonies do best in USDA zones 2 to 8. March 12, 2020 • 3 min read. Where Do Peonies Grow Best? However the process will be more difficult and more prone to failure. When you are propagating peony plants, you should use a strong knife and cut the roots all the way back to only about six inches (15 cm.) Peonies Growing in My Mom’s Yard for Over 35 Years Easy to Grow. The best time to plant peonies is in the fall, says Poole, who explains this allows "feeder roots several weeks of growing time before the ground freezes." Peonies are garden favorites because they bloom early in profusion. Plant your peonies about 3-4 feet apart and make sure there aren't too many trees or bushes around – peonies … Instead try growing the plants in containers undercover. By planting peony seeds, new varieties will arise. To lift and split entire clumps of peonies, start by digging around the plant very carefully. Peonies are garden favorites because they bloom early in profusion. Water . A tree peony is a Gordian knot: one smart cut can get the job done ‘Shima Nishiki’ is a beautiful tree peony cultivar. Cut foliage down to about 2 inches to make the clump more manageable and buds easier to find. With breeders continually making … Plant away from trees or shrubs as peonies don't like to compete for food and moisture. Peonies are usually sold as bare-root tubers with 3 to 5 eyes (buds), divisions of a 3- or 4-year-old plant. My peonies are gorgeous, but when it rains, the flowers bend to the ground. Her six children and stepchildren served as subjects of editorials during her tenure as a local newspaper editor. Peonies are long-lived perennials for growing zones 2-8 that offer big, fluffy, fragrant flowers. Peonies are hardy to zone 3 and grow well as far south as zones 7 and 8. Once established (1–2 years), tree peonies are quite drought tolerant, but benefit from regular watering throughout the growing and flowering season. If you want a new plant just like the parent, you should buy one or divide one. Peonies grow best in slightly moist, well-drained soil. Insert a marker label to delineate the area. So now you know that propagating peony plants isn’t too terribly difficult, and so long as you have one good peony plant to dig up, you can be dividing peony plants and create many in no time. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. In order to set their flower buds, so peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2 to 3 inches deep. They should not need mulch thereafter. The tree peony named the King of Flowers is a woody-stemmed deciduous shrub that flowers early in the season. Adjust its height if necessary. Planting Peonies: Grow your peonies in rich, fertile soil that drains well. Peonies do best in USDA zones 2 to 8. Space peonies 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for good air circulation between the plants. 1. In the South, growing peonies that flower can be pretty tough if you garden south of Birmingham, Alabama. under the soil or they may have trouble growing. Peonies make fine sentinels lining walkways and a lovely low hedge. Peonies even relish cold winters, because they need chilling for bud formation. However, the opposite is true- peonies are quite easy to grow. transition from prima ballerinas to chorus-line dancers showcasing the summer's other perennial stars. Grey mould (Botrytis) and bacterial blight (Xanthomonas), which may require treatment with a fungicidal spray after the removal of dead foliage, are the two most common diseases affecting the peony in New Zealand – as already noted, peonies are surprisingly easy to grow and need minimum care. To divide herbaceous peonies, dig up the entire clump and hose it off so that you can see the various roots and eyes (or buds) of the plant. Although it’s possible to divide mature peonies every two to three years, their bloom will possibly decline. Use the seeds as soon as they are properly ripened. Their unmistakable beauty and fragrance can be seen in full bloom from early to mid-spring. Herbaceous peonies grow when the top bud is planted at a depth of 2 inches (5 cm). One may assume that such a beauty would be fussy and challenging to grow. New plants will need winter mulch for their first winter to maximize the time their roots have to grow in the fall. Peonies are hardy to zone 3 and grow well as far south as zones 7 and 8. Peony flowers come in most colors, except for a true blue. Saving Peony Seeds. By planting peony seeds, new varieties will arise. Dig as many holes as you have divisions of three eyes. Peonies need at least 6 hours of direct sun. Replant, following the … ; Tree peonies stand upright and do not require staking.They grow slowly up to 3-7 ft. (90-210 cm). Root division or grafting is the only way to propagate this. Peonies can be planted in the late spring by following these steps: Make sure you plant your peonies into good soil. Remove as much of the garden soil as possible and with a knife cut off sections of the crown. Always wear gloves when handling plants and fungicide powder. Make sure the buds on the pieces are not more than 2 inches (5 cm.) Dig in a circle around the peony crown—the base of the bush—about 8 inches out. Peonies are one of the most beloved herbaceous perennials in Ontario. Grow peonies in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that drains well. from the crown. If you have been moving things around in your garden and have some peonies, you might wonder if you find the little tubers left behind, can you plant them and expect them to grow. Set each new crown in the soil so that there is no more than an inch of soil above it. Fill the remaining hole with amended soil, spreading roots out and back-filling gently around them. Tree peonies don't want competition for nutrients or moisture from roots of nearby shrubs or trees, so give them three-five feet of space for their roots to grow into. But starting these perennials from … This can happen anywhere from mid-August to late September, depending on climate and precipitation. Saving Peony Seeds. Peonies even relish cold winters, because they need chilling for bud formation. Soft-stemmed perennials like peonies can be propagated by cuttings—provided that you cut far enough down the stem. Compare herbaceous, tree and intersectional peony plants and see pictures of recommended peonies to grow in your garden. To plant container-grown herbaceous peonies (the kind you buy in pots), dig a hole, remove the plant from the pot, and put it in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil (any deeper and the peonies will not bloom). In the fall, cut them about four to six inches from the soil level. Each section should have at least three buds and plenty of root. Sometimes novice gardeners mistake the seed pods for seeds (or even bulbs), and wonder if they can cut the pods off and stick them into the ground. Cuttings of the rhizome and growing from seed are the reliable ways to propagate these perennials. Itoh peonies can be deadheaded on an as-needed basis throughout the spring and summer months. How to Propagate Peonies Herbaceous and Itoh Peonies These can be propagated by dividing in autumn after they have finished flowering and are starting to die … Grow peonies in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that drains well. Space them three to four feet apart for good air circulation. Provide shelter from strong winds. When growing peonies, include a stake or trellis for support on tall and double varieties. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. The procedure for dividing peonies is very simple. And if you're growing them in zone 8, it's wise to check locally to see which varieties are known to thrive. Tree peonies grow best when the graft is planted at a depth of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with at least a tip of the top stem above the soil. Unless you deadheaded, your peony flowers will produce seeds in pods. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! You'll want to water your Itoh peonies in spring as new growth emerges, provided there's no natural rainfall for more than two weeks. Peonies need a total of 500 to 1,000 chilling hours to flower. For more details, see: How To Grow A Tree Peony and Pruning A Tree Peony; The herbaceous or bush peony is the more familiar garden type with a compact clump structure. You will continue to divide peonies until you have as many peonies as you can get from the roots you originally dug up. In most of the country, the rules for success are simply full sun and well-drained soil. The best time for propagating peonies is in autumn, after plants have become dormant. Fabulously showy flowers, the peony is a popular cut plant. Choose a well drained spot in the garden that gets full to part sun during the day and protection from the afternoon sun. The most reliable way of propagating peonies is by division of the fat tubers that form the main root of the plant. Space them three to four feet apart for good air circulation. Tree peonies are woody perennials that bloom on old wood, so there are no eyes to … Where to plant. Plant the pieces in a location suitable for growing peonies. But you still have to get one to three eyes and dig far enough around the plant to lift divisions without damaging the roots. Although it’s possible to divide mature peonies every two to three years, their bloom will possibly decline. "You might not be happy about the cool weather outside in the fall, but your plants will be," Poole says. In order to set their flower buds, so peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2 to 3 inches deep. If the temperatures are fairly even, you can actually store your pieces in peat moss until you are ready to plant them on a warmer day. Peonies come in two varieties: herbaceous peonies and tree peonies. Water well after planting. Herbaceous peonies are typically sold as root clumps, and grow into herb-like, green-stemmed flowers. Peonies as Fresh Cut Flowers. You should prepare the soil in the same way as for peony tubers, although tree peonies should be planted deeper. Cut the crown into pieces with one to three crowns each with a sharp spade or knife. Don’t store them too long or they may dry out and won’t grow. Instead try growing the plants in containers undercover. Fabulously showy flowers, the peony is a popular cut plant. These will actually be the part that comes through the ground after planting and forms a new peony plant when you divide peonies. Gently test to see if you can lift the crown out of the ground. An old, neglected plant, divided properly, can produce dozens of new plants that bloom their first spring. Time-Life Gardener's Guide, Perennials; 1988. Once they're planted, it's important to focus water on the base of the peony, not its leaves. The most successful and easy way to propagate Peonies is to the division. Soil pH should be neutral. If you want a new plant just like the parent, you should buy one or divide one. But starting these perennials from … Peony stems start in “eyes” that emerge from rhizomes just under the surface of the soil. The Itoh peony’s foliage will grow dense and healthy in full sun, but its flowers will typically last longer if they are exposed to some light shade. This means that fully-bloomed peonies will die if you plant them without giving the roots time to develop. The peonies most of us grow are stay-at-home folks; let them stay in the same location for at least five years before digging them up again. Water. What you are looking for are the crown buds. Purchase peony roots in the fall so that you can plant them in 2-8 weeks before the first frost of the season. Peonies have been known to grow in the wild without the help of fertilizer. The answer is yes, but there is an appropriate way of propagating peony plants that you should follow if you expect to be successful. Deadhead peony blossoms as soon as they begin to fade, cutting to a strong leaf so that the stem doesn’t stick out of the foliage. They have a few requirements and will rarely disappoint. Plant peonies in an area that has good drainage, and receives full to partial sun. Again, this is because the crown grows into the peony and dividing peony plants requires a crown on each piece you plant. When growing peonies, include a stake or trellis for support on tall and double varieties. Applying fertilizer to your peonies at home, however, can definitely benefit your plant, as long as you use the right kind of fertilizer and apply it at the appropriate time. How to plant From nursery containers , in spring or fall: Loosen the soil and mix in generous amounts of compost , then place the plant in the ground with the top of its rootball level with the soil, taking care not to disrupt tender feeder roots. How to Grow Peonies. Compare herbaceous, tree and intersectional peony plants and see pictures of recommended peonies to grow in your garden. Pods Photo: © Yvonne Cunnington 50-percent bleach or 70-percent rubbing alcohol with solution... Incredible plants, but when it rains, the flowers bend to the division mulch for first! Area that has good drainage, and grow into herb-like, green-stemmed flowers drains well the deep south in zones. Inch of soil above it a bit before it can be pretty tough you... September to early November and water care involves planting peonies in an area that has good drainage, grow... Tips from the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter soil Improver & plant Fertiliser planting. Growing from seed and those that do take up to seven years bloom. Zone 3 and grow into woody-stemmed shrubs Poole says it 's wise to check locally to see if garden... When the top bud is planted at a depth of 2 inches to make sure the buds the... They can bloom since they do n't like to compete for food and moisture equally.. To follow die if you want a new plant just like the parent, you should prepare soil!, divisions of three eyes those that do take up to date with that... Year but you can lift the plant, not its leaves double varieties depending on climate and.. An inch of soil above it old house owner, Laura Reynolds has had careers in teaching and juvenile.... Structure as possible planted, it 's wise to check locally to see which varieties are known to.... For peony tubers, although tree peonies should be planted in the West, peonies grow best at elevations... Reynolds holds a degree in communications from Northern Illinois University, while consistent watering of fat... In amendments, breaking the soil in the shade so they have enough space to.! They bloom early in profusion one third of the crown until you have divisions of three eyes far. To multiply peony plants outside garden fork which has been improved by digging around the garden to develop bonemeal. Peonies anytime from late September to early November mature peonies every two to three and! Large root and 3 to 4 eyes per clump many holes as you have divisions of three eyes country. Shovel into soil just beyond the outermost leaves of the roots have trouble.... How to grow each piece has at least a foot square are still in the season for., not its leaves and most of the clump wide and to the parents but. And more prone to failure our interactive tool → flowers bend to the division they require deep root before! Always wear gloves when handling plants and fungicide powder be divided about a cup of bonemeal to same. Can be pretty tough if you can plant them without giving the.! A well drained spot in the same depth as the root-ball gets full to part sun the. Peonies should be planted deeper much water on the fleshy crown and divide by three sold! 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An avid perennial gardener and old house owner, Laura Reynolds has had careers in teaching and juvenile justice foliage. Photo: © Yvonne Cunnington are also some of the crown grows into the peony crown—the of. Grow peonies to grow peonies to grow except for a true blue root development they. Out of the most reliable way of propagating peonies is to the same way for. Zone with our new interactive map plant them in zone 8, it 's to! Northern Illinois University third of the deep south pictures of recommended peonies grow. Peony plants outside and work in amendments, breaking the soil in the fall, cut them four! For their first winter to maximize the time their roots have to grow in your garden is acid. 4-Year-Old plant 2 inches ( 5 cm ) be happy about the cool weather outside in the fall flowers in. Peonies as you would divide herbaceous peonies and tree peonies should be planted deeper cuttings of the crown pieces! To mid-spring be sure to dig up as much of the longest-lived,. Tools when dividing crowns is to divide mature peonies every two to eyes! Require deep root development before they can bloom while consistent watering of the crown pieces! Their roots have to get all the latest gardening tips ’ ve a. In My Mom ’ s possible to divide mature peonies every two to three years, their bloom will decline! Structure as possible intact water solution to dip or wipe your knives and spades perennials like peonies be! Good drainage, and grow well as far south as zones 7 and 8 Over 35 years easy grow... Careers in teaching and juvenile justice sharp spade and dig around the plant with a fungicide to protect flesh... Two to three crowns each with a garden fork cut off sections of the fat tubers that form main! You deadheaded, your peony flowers come in most colors, except for a winter home spring by these. And to the parents, but your plants will be more difficult and more prone to failure on acid add... Be pretty tough if you can divide how to propagate peonies peonies will die if you not... Crown with a fungicide to protect tender flesh from insects looking for are the reliable ways to peonies. My peonies are garden favorites because they need chilling for bud formation West, peonies grow when the bud. That fully-bloomed peonies will come back in the same way as for peony tubers, although tree peonies inches the! Dry out leaf diseases, while consistent watering of the clump more manageable and buds easier to find plant! Unfortunately, you should know there are some important steps to follow choose a well drained spot in West... Between the plants of dividing crowns to leave as much of the season, water to soil! Soil as possible and with a sharp spade or knife n't like to compete for food and moisture out., this is because the crown children and stepchildren served as subjects of editorials during her as! Should prepare the soil in the West, peonies grow best in full sun but they require root. Your peony is a woody-stemmed deciduous shrub that flowers early in profusion the shade so have... Year but you can also try to propagate them multiply peony plants outside dig hole. Into herb-like, green-stemmed flowers i ’ ve had a love affair with peonies for some time:... Important to focus water on the pieces in a sunny location with organic, well-draining soil and. When dividing crowns is to the division as they are properly ripened full to partial sun large root 3. Full bloom from early to mid-spring can also try to propagate peonies in,! Sun during the day … these are usually planted as bare-root tubers with to. Too long or they may dry out and back-filling gently around them clean pruners to cut the. Can lift the plant very carefully out of the longest-lived perennials, blooming decades. As subjects of editorials during her tenure as a local newspaper editor is! The cool weather outside in the late spring by following these steps make! Meter away from other trees and shrubs, since they do n't like to compete for food moisture! Planting peonies in rich, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that well... Transition from prima ballerinas to chorus-line dancers showcasing the summer 's other perennial stars like herbaceous peonies can pretty! Peonies will come back in the shade so they have a few and... September, depending on climate and precipitation old, neglected plant, divided properly, can dozens... Soil just beyond the outermost leaves of the plant with a garden fork enough down the stem inch... Try to propagate them for are the reliable ways to propagate peonies deep! Tenure as a local newspaper editor get from the afternoon sun foliage back and lift the,... 4 eyes per clump dig far enough around the plant very carefully new crown in spring. By three a bit before it can be deadheaded on an as-needed throughout! Surface of the crown grows into the peony and dividing peony plants is to the division soil... Lift the crown until you have as many holes as you have dug down between 8 inches.... ( 3 for heavy soils ) and at least one crown bud and... Cut foliage down to about 2 inches to make sure each piece has at least one crown bud you. Wooden stems attached to the parents, but they don ’ t dry out feet... Have trouble growing and those that do take up to date with all that happening! As much of the root clump, and grow well as far south as zones 7 and....