Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
8/18/03
Contacts:
Richard Jauron, Horticulture, (515) 294-1871, rjauron@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Aug. 22, 2003
Transplanting Peonies
By Richard Jauron
Extension Horticulture Specialist
Iowa State University
The peony has been a popular perennial in American gardens since the 1880s. The peony is hardy, dependable, long-lived and easy to grow. Gardeners value the peony for its large, colorful flowers in spring and is attractive, season-long foliage.
Peonies can be left undisturbed in the garden for many years. Occasionally, however it becomes necessary to move established plants. Peonies shaded by large trees or shrubs should be moved to a sunny site to improve flowering. The redesign of a perennial bed or border may require moving peonies. Large, vigorous plants can be dug up and divided for propagation purposes.
September is the best time to transplant established peonies. Begin by cutting the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible. Promptly replant the peony in a sunny, well-drained site.
Division of large peony clumps requires a few additional steps. After digging up the plant, gently shake the clump to remove loose soil from the root system. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into sections. Each division should have at least three to five buds (eyes) and a good root system. Smaller divisions will require several years to develop into attractive plants.
Peonies perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. When selecting a planting site, choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by working in large amounts of compost, peat moss or leaf mold.
When planting a peony, dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate its entire root system. Position the peony plant in the hole so the buds are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. If the buds are planted deeper than 2 inches, peonies often fail to bloom satisfactorily. Fill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant as you backfill. Water thoroughly. Space peonies 3 to 4 feet apart.
In mid-November to early December, apply a 4 to 6 inch layer of mulch over the newly planted peonies. Weed-free straw and pine needles are excellent mulching materials. Mulching prevents repeated freezing and thawing of the soil during the winter months that could heave the plants out of the ground. Remove the mulch in early spring before growth begins.
Transplanted peonies will not bloom well the first spring. In fact, it's advisable to remove any flower buds that form the first year to maximize plant growth. Strong three to five bud divisions should bloom well by the third or fourth year.
Once established in the garden, peonies require very little care. Peonies can be fertilized in early spring with an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Lightly sprinkle one-fourth cup around each plant as the shoots begin to emerge from the ground.
Remove dead flowers as they fade and die. Removal of spent flowers (deadheading) improves plant appearance and prevents the formation of seedpods (follicles). Preventing fruit formation allows plants to build up their food reserves and maximizes flower production the following spring.
Weeds can be controlled with mulches, cultivation or hand-pulling. Most annual weeds can be controlled by placing 2 inches of wood chips or shredded bark around the base of each plant. When cultivating, lightly hoe around peonies because deep cultivation may damage their root systems.
After a hard freeze in the fall, cut off the dead foliage at ground level and discard the dead debris. Removal of the dead peony foliage helps control leaf blotch, botrytis blight and other diseases.
Peonies planted properly and given a little care will reward gardeners with large attractive flowers each spring for many years.
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Editors: There is no photo available for this week's column.
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