Test the soil's pH level. Moving established peony plants should be done in the fall, at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Don’t worry if the flowers seem a bit sparse the first spring after moving established peonies. Tree peony stem showing new growth after pruning How to grow Tree Peonies. Bury the tree until the soil reaches just below the crown of the tree. The culprit is often lack of sunlight due to overcrowding and the expanding canopies of nearby trees. If your soil is has a pH of less than 6.5, add lime and compost until you get the right pH. If your soil is has a pH of less than 6.5, add lime and compost until you get the right pH. A light sprinkling of a general fertiliser can be applied in spring. So you are best trying to save a peony plant after it has succombed to peony damage. If your soil pH is higher the recommended levels, lower it by introducing an elemental sulfur material using 6 to10 lbs. You can replant a part of your original peony and its divisions in the same part of the garden or find new areas for them. The peony has been a popular perennial in American gardens since the 1800's. Over time, as surrounding shrubs and trees grow larger, peonies may fail to bloom as they once did. Not only did he provide a mountain of information, he also sent five, count 'em five tree peonies for my own personal enjoyment. Start digging a good 18 inches away from the crown of the plant. The main difference between Tree Peonies and their herbaceous cousins is that Tree peonies don’t die back in winter. Peony lutea. First, dig up the plant. The third image is a transplant peony that was probably 30 years old growing in the deep shade in my yard, to a raised bed. As a rule-of-thumb, plants that have been growing in position for more than five years are much less likely to survive transplanting than younger specimens. Look for a ridged bulge on the root where one type of tree peony was grafted onto another to get the best qualities of each. ... Tree Peony "Guardian of the Monastery" the day before digging. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible. The Tree Peony (despite its name) is not actually a tree but a deciduous shrub originating from China where it is known as Moutan. Sign up for our newsletter. It includes most of the hybridized plants that have been created recently, and are usually pink, purple, red or white in color. If your soil pH is higher the recommended levels, lower it by introducing an elemental sulfur material using 6 to10 lbs. Carefully lift the peony tree out of the earth with a shovel and wrap the root system with a tarp or place the tree in a large bucket while you are moving it to its new location. The peony is hardy, dependable, long-lived, and easy to grow. The last time I moved a tree peony, it was because the plumber needed access to the sewer line. Take a water hose and clean off the roots of the plant (this will let you know how big of hole you will have to dig to replant). The permanence of peonies is one of the qualities that make them such an enduring perennial in the garden. When selecting a planting site, choose an area that receives full sun. Fertilize twice a year, in the spring and late summer. The term Tree Peony is a little confusing as it seems to describe a plant that grows to the height of a tree, which it does not. This will make it easier to locate exactly how far the root system extends. But unlike a tree there really is no root flare; all the planting advice seems to imply that it is better to plant deeper than too shallow for a tree peony; And I was even led to believe that planting deeper will stimulate below-ground buds to develop into additional roots for a tree peony. As long as they get good water from winter through spring they will thrive. Typically, tree peonies can live for more than 100 years and do not like to be transplanted. Transplant it in the new location, which should be in sun with well-draining, rich soil. In this video guide, Monty Don show’s how to plant a herbaceous peony, ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and taller tree peonies. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by working in large amounts of compost or peat. September is the best time to transplant established peonies. After your tree is successfully planted, add a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions. These are usually planted as bare-root saplings. Adding the water will get rid of air pockets that will damage the roots if left behind. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Choose the correct time of the year. To lift your established tree peony, begin at least eighteen inches from the base of the stem, loosen the plant from the soil with a large garden fork, work your way around the plant, and gently pry it from the ground. Usually I just pry things out of the ground, but it does help to be careful with these. Do this in the fall for best results! She also has a strong background in business, education and farm living. She wrote a true-crime book published in 2010 and has two more underway. Gently shake the peony plant so soil falls away from roots. Depending on its age, you might need a fork or a … But after 10 or 15 years, peony blooms slow down, and that’s the time for you to dig, divide, and transplant them. When to move and divide a peony. Itoh or Intersectional peonies are a cross between a herbaceous peony and a tree peony. Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) are considered the national flower of China and can reach heights of nearly 6 feet. However, the same features that make peonies a sturdy and long-lived plant can also make them a challenge to transplant.Sometimes a move becomes a necessary alternative to plant loss. Each division needs to have three to five eyes or growing points. Peony lutea is the only true yellow tree peony. Too bad the article never reached peer review and publishing … Get involved. Herbaceous vs tree peony. 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