From my point of view as a peony plant, my very essence and longevity are stored underground in my fleshy roots, known as rhizomes. These are not just roots; they are my energy reservoirs, packed with the carbohydrates I've spent all season photosynthesizing and storing. They are my survival system during winter dormancy and the source of my spectacular spring blooms. Each fall, I naturally begin to withdraw energy from my top growth down into these rhizomes, preparing for my rest. This is the ideal time for you to interact with me, as my systems are already focused underground, making me less susceptible to the shock of being moved. Disturbing me in the spring when I am actively using every ounce of energy to push out new stems and leaves is incredibly stressful and can set me back for years.
When you decide to divide me, please be gentle and strategic. First, cut back my stems to just an inch or two above the ground. Then, using a sharp, clean spade, dig a wide circle around my crown, giving my extensive root system a wide berth. Carefully lift the entire clump from the soil. Gently wash away the soil with a hose so you can clearly see the structure of my rhizomes and the pinkish-red "eyes" – these are my dormant buds for next year's growth. The key is to use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut me into divisions. Each new section must have at least 3 to 5 of these healthy eyes and a substantial portion of my thick, storage roots attached. A division with only one or two eyes will take many years to establish and bloom, as it lacks the stored energy to support significant growth.
My success in a new location depends entirely on how you replant me. I demand excellent drainage; sitting in waterlogged soil will cause my rhizomes to rot. Prepare a generous new planting hole, amending the native soil with compost to ensure it is rich and well-draining. The most critical factor is planting depth. In the cold winter regions of the USA, my eyes should be buried no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. If you plant me too deeply, I will struggle to emerge and will refuse to flower, putting all my energy into simply reaching the sunlight. Position me in the hole with my eyes facing upward, backfill with soil, and water me thoroughly to settle the soil around my roots and eliminate air pockets.
After the trauma of division and moving, I will need time and care to recover. Apply a layer of mulch around my new base to help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, but ensure it is not mounded directly over my crown. Continue to water me deeply, especially if the autumn is dry, to encourage my roots to establish themselves in their new home before the ground freezes. Do not expect a grand performance immediately. In my first spring after transplanting, I will focus my limited energy on rebuilding my root system and producing foliage. I may produce only a few small blooms or none at all. Please be patient. By the second or third year, once I am fully re-established, I will reward your careful efforts with a magnificent display of flowers for decades to come.
