How to Transplant a Peony Plant

Overview

Peonies are a staple flower in gardens worldwide. They are easy to grow and offer lovely blooms. Plus, most varieties are hardy though zones 3 to 8, so they can handle a large range of weather. However, sometimes a peony plant is either too large for its bounds or it starts getting too much shade from other plants. In these cases transplanting peonies to a more favorable location in your garden is the best idea.

Step 1

Transplant peonies in the late summer, around September, as the weather starts to cool. If you live in a warmer climate you can transplant them in the early fall.

Step 2

Choose a new spot in your garden for your peonies. Peonies like full sun and well drained soil in order to produce their best blooms.

Step 3

Cut off the foliage of the peonies you wish to transplant to about 5 or 6 inches from the base of the plant. Remove all flowers and leaves.

Step 4

Dig a hole around your mature peonies. Dig far enough from the base of the plant to avoid cutting any of the peonies' roots, about 6 or 7 inches. Dig in a circle around the base of the plant until soil is loose enough that the peonies can be easily lifted.

Step 5

Remove the peonies from the ground and place them on the tarp.

Step 6

Dig a hole for the peonies in the new spot. Make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the peonies' roots and about twice as wide.

Step 7

Place the peonies in the hole so the buds are an inch or two below the surface of the soil.

Step 8

Fill the hole with soil and pat it down firmly. Water the peonies well for several minutes.

Step 9

Mulch over transplanted peonies in the fall after the ground freezes.