When to Move Peonies

Q:  Can peonies be moved this time of year?  Mine are in too much shade and have stopped flowering.

A:  Early spring is an excellent time to move and/or divide peonies. I’m not a fan of moving them in the fall like many books recommend. Dig your peony once you see new growth emerging, taking a wide spreading rootball about a foot deep. Replant in a sunny position (at least 6 hours of full sun) no deeper than how they were originally growing. 

If in doubt, follow the new growth down to where it attaches to the root system. That juncture should be set 1”-2” below ground. No deeper. Be prepared for them to sulk for a year or two before they start flowering again. They can be real drama queens.

Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show