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PEONY BETWEEN HOMES

KathmKathm Posts: 26
in Problem solving
Hello all;
I have had this peony for about 15 years _ and of course, it’s the absolute best it’s ever looked.
Sadly, I am going to have to lift it in a few weeks - early August - as I’m getting major work done in garden, and it is also now really too big where it is. 
I will probably divide it into 2 - and then put them back in similar sunny position.  But it will need to live in pot/s for a few weeks.
Should I divide it as soon as I lift it, and put into 2 separate pots for a few weeks until their new home is ready.  Or keep in one big pot, and then divide when it finally goes back into the ground.
Also, what will keep it happiest in a pot - compost/soil?
Appreciate any thoughts. K

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    This is what l would do, but l stand to be corrected  :)

    I would lift and divide it at the same time, obviously making sure that it's potted up to the same depth as it was in the ground.
    According to this, John Innes no 3 is best, but l would probably use the soil that it's already in.
    https://www.britishroses.co.uk/acatalog/planting-peonies.html#:~:text=Peonies can be grown successfully,can reach their full potential.

    It might well be a few years until it blooms again, but these things are part of gardening. Good luck !
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd split it too, although it probably wouldn't matter too much which way you do it.
    Easy enough to do, and just follow the advice re planting at the same level, and in a soil based medium - the garden soil it's in is best though. If they're only going to be potted for a short while, it's less important though.
    Make sure the pots have good drainage, and keep them somewhere sheltered to get them settled   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I split a peony into 3 plants popped into pots and then forgot about it until it sent out new shoots in the spring. I put all 3 plants into daughters garden and they flowered the same year! 
  • KathmKathm Posts: 26
    Thanks all.  Will lift and split at same time.  Good plan about keeping it with the soil it’s in.  I am emptying the whole raised bed, so will mainly use what it’s growing in but make sure there is plenty drainage at bottom of pot too.  Fingers crossed. 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    They will wilt quite a lot after being dug up and split, so do cut back the foliage to make up for the root damage. And keep in a cool shady spot temporarily. But they are very resilient plants and should be fine next year.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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