Let them die down naturally - at the moment the leaves are feeding the tubers ready for next year. Lift them just before you move then plant into the new garden as soon as you can or into pots if that's not possible.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Nearly Green, we had to move a Peony for sentimental reasons when family member died. Knowing they don't like disturbance I was worried. It was planted in our garden and then 5 yrs later we moved, it lived in a pot for 2 yrs and then finally I braved it, split it into 3. I have 2, in different locations, hoping one place would suit, and a family member has the other. All three have flourished. I did prepared bed / planter beforehand and took as much rootball as possible and did it quickly.
The original one was from my Mum in laws, and it had been transplanted from her Father's. So it must be over 40 yrs old. I hope you're successful.
KEF One of the growers was talking (at Chelsea I think) about moving peonies and she basically said it is a myth.Don't know why it seems to be one of those 'facts' we're always told about them. I've moved them before too and thought I was just lucky but apparently not!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think that when peonies get moved sometimes they get planted too deep - they don't like that so they won't flower, so people say they don't like being moved.
The trick is to move them carefully and keep the depth the same so they don't notice
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Leaving our last house but renting it out, I realised I really needed to move two peonies from a very shady area there they were doing nothing to the front garden in full sun. I only had a spade, dug them both up and carried them to the front. I dropped one on the way. Planted both to the same depth and three years later our tenant has left and I've been back - they're huge! I honestly think the planting depth is the key. Good luck!
Posts
Let them die down naturally - at the moment the leaves are feeding the tubers ready for next year. Lift them just before you move then plant into the new garden as soon as you can or into pots if that's not possible.
Nearly Green, we had to move a Peony for sentimental reasons when family member died. Knowing they don't like disturbance I was worried. It was planted in our garden and then 5 yrs later we moved, it lived in a pot for 2 yrs and then finally I braved it, split it into 3. I have 2, in different locations, hoping one place would suit, and a family member has the other. All three have flourished. I did prepared bed / planter beforehand and took as much rootball as possible and did it quickly.
The original one was from my Mum in laws, and it had been transplanted from her Father's. So it must be over 40 yrs old. I hope you're successful.
KEF One of the growers was talking (at Chelsea I think) about moving peonies and she basically said it is a myth.Don't know why it seems to be one of those 'facts' we're always told about them. I've moved them before too and thought I was just lucky but apparently not!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Factoid: Something everyone knows but isn't true.
I'm always moving things around including paeonies
In the sticks near Peterborough
Phew, glad I didn't give more duff info'.
I've got plenty of duff information if you need some KEF
In the sticks near Peterborough
I think it's great that you have that history with the peony KEF
I've got plenty too nut!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think that when peonies get moved sometimes they get planted too deep - they don't like that so they won't flower, so people say they don't like being moved.
The trick is to move them carefully and keep the depth the same so they don't notice
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
and the roots of an established paeony are so enormous you need an excuse to leave it alone.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Leaving our last house but renting it out, I realised I really needed to move two peonies from a very shady area there they were doing nothing to the front garden in full sun. I only had a spade, dug them both up and carried them to the front. I dropped one on the way. Planted both to the same depth and three years later our tenant has left and I've been back - they're huge! I honestly think the planting depth is the key. Good luck!