Peonies - Transplanting, Dividing, and Planting💮

[@JimPutnam]

Peonies are best suited in the full sun with moist well-drained soil in zones 3-8. There are other types of Peonies that don't die completely to the ground that can be transplanted in the fall or early spring as well.

[@danabenjamin3300]

Mine didnt go back into the ground over winter, would you recommend i cut it back early spring or let it grow out?

[@DK-se9sx]

I just bought peonies tuber last week, can I grow them in a pot and leave them outside?

[@justme9100]

Great video! I had no idea you could split peonies! I just bought 3 plants too so I'll have a nice peony garden!

[@gilaisaacs743]

Thank you

[@denisenault2402]

Every time I moved I brought my tuber with me to my new home. I have 2 peonies that were my Grandmas, well over 60 years old. I’ve only divided them twice, still amazing!

[@racheltse73]

Wonderful, you brought along Grandma's Peonies when moving. I know what I have to 'pack' when I am moving. Thank you.

[@allieb9258]

Do you fertilize them? I've never had many blooms. Just got some of my mom's that are 40+ years old. so cool!

[@auroraborealis3764]

When I’ll be moving, I’m digging and packing all my peonies!

[@carlaclark9191]

Hi Jim, where can I see an update on your peonies? I'd love to see how they bloomed this year.

[@tinaknutsen]

I had planted some peonies in a 22” container with a bunch of bulbs and other stuff that just needed to get planted…not the best idea. Was like that for several years; a jumbled mess. I dug out everything put them in separate containers and waiting to see what surprises I have. The peony clump was larger than I expected and I suspect all the other plants were covering those eyes too much. I divided around mid march and 2 of them very small (2 stems) wilted and I did not think they would make it. It’s been 3 weeks and they perked up. I got 12 out of the one clump, I divided various sizes. Not expecting flowers on all of them this year but next year I will be happy I took the time to do it. Thank you for the encouragement!😊

[@meredith3588]

My departed Mother gave me Peonies from her garden in Buffalo, N.Y. 30 plus years ago and they are doing well here in Atlanta, GA. I never remember a time there weren't Peonies in our yard growing up, so mine are pretty old and a wonderful memory of the woman who taught me to love gardening. Like other commenters, I wish the blooms lasted longer.

[@KidCity1985]

Lucky woman!

[@dennischasse9683]

I have some from my Grandmother in Clyde, NY - I've had them 37 years, and I imagine they were at least that old at the time.

[@SherriLight-f6j]

If you put them in the afternoon shade, the blooms will last longer

[@hhheee3939]

These are true perennials. They can live for 70-100yrs. Incredible plants. Well worth it if you can grow them in your zone.

[@ROCKIN40]

I dug up three 100+ year old peonies to move them to a new location. The roots were HUGE! At least 1 1/2' deep and about three feet wide. Some of the roots were broken in the process and it took about 4 years before they fully bloomed again.

[@TD-vb6il]

Glad I caught this video. Just planting tubers for the first time and boy, I agree it was confusing to determine which way to place them when the buds were popping up on the tuber in random ways. I feel better about how I placed them after watching this video. Thanks for the simplified explanations!

[@SuperOhsarah]

these flowers are so marked up at the florist. So much cheaper to just take the time and do the work to plant them yourself and then just make your own bouquets. Great video.

[@nicolepsy]

As a florist, I can say that the reason flowers cost more at a florist is because they are grown under very controlled conditions to help them grow strong and disease free. Once they're received from the growers (or wholesalers), we condition them further to ensure that they look as good as possible for as long as possible. Some flowers require several steps. Sure, you can buy them in bulk from a big box store; but once you get them home- that's the crucial time. Years ago, I had planted a ton of flowers that I had planned to use for a family member's fall wedding ( they were super broke). Lo and behold, the wedding was called off- thank goodness it was because even though I have always had beautiful gardens, that year was dreadful and I wouldn't have had enough decent flowers to do even the wedding party. I would also caution that critters (with peonies, ants mostly) can and do hide deep in them and tend to pop out at the most inopportune time. Another part of it is labor to do all of the conditioning and design. Weddings are absolutely top priority to use the best flowers, above any other occasion. Most florist are not trying to rip anyone off and it's definitely not a profession to get rich at. Hope this kind of explains where we're coming from.

[@nickimillennium]

And theyre hardy and come back aggressively on top of that. It’s not like some hard to grow plant that dies if you look at it too hard. Definitely worth the effort, as you said. Once they’re established they spread like wildfire.

[@johannsgarden2020]

When cut for floral arrangements the peony plants lose a lot of leaves which makes them bloom less the following year. Growing peonies for cut flowers requires more careful management than just growing them for garden enjoyment.

[@plantsim]

Wonderful to see this in detail and in clay soil like I have. Great tutorial, thank you.

[@junesmart7352]

So good to see the complete process up close. Look forward to seeing them growing and blooming as the season progresses. Thanks!

[@jenniferm.5502]

Can't wait to see how they do! Nice to see how they divide after being dug.

[@dlebreton7888]

Seems like you can split peonies and hostas the same. Very easy.

[@lacyc376]

So glad I found the right channel! Awesome content. It's just my style. Thanks for sharing.

[@JimPutnam]

Thanks for following along!

[@debbiesineath1952]

Thank you Jim for bringing plant up close to the camera! Helps me see !

[@phyllisstokoe2295]

Thank you I am from Cornwall England and I found your video most informative hope your blooms look at their best .

[@PEONIAOBSESSION]

Peony Lover Here 🌸💕

[@joyhamilton4248]

Thanks for this video. I will have to divide ours this fall and I was a little nervous about it until you showed us how easy it really is.

[@iamtheicycle]

Thank you SO much for this thorough process! I just bought some peony roots from Walmart and unsure of what to do. The timing and explanation is perfect ! You are a GEM🙌🏾

[@fundamental1020]

I live in VA near the Potomac so it is clay with wet on top. However, I have a beautiful full clump of peony that has been coming up for about 60 years. I read they live to 100!

[@saveurital455]

AMAZING! Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with your peony!!!

[@adm6785]

I’m also in VA, but in the blue ridge. Thought my peonys were special since they’re almost 20yrs old. My ego is deflated. 😞

[@lovelyday2805]

This is a very comprehensive video and answers all the questions I had concerning my peonies. Thank you very much!

[@JimPutnam]

Thanks for watching

[@annebeck2208]

Someone said this earlier, but I'll repeat, the professional peony growers wash off the clumps (They are making money off the divides so not seeing could lose them money), as a beginner it is really helpful. You, Jim, are a pro, but for the rest of us, being able to see really helps.

[@jiml9856]

Love that wagon

[@jenlorraine5961]

Thanks so much for the great video, my side yard is a mess. So crowded with Iris's from the old house, peonies, and spiderwort. I bought some above ground planters and am going to separate my peonies and plant them in there. Thanks for mentioning the saw too, think I am going to get on of those. It should make the job of separating those roots easier.

[@tammiedunbar6166]

My peonies have bloomed and faded I live in Georgia zone 8a. Rarely do I have blooms until Mothers Day. Riding around in area I noticed that other gardeners peonies were absolutely breathtakingly beautiful this year (2024). Their blooming phase is so fast-fleeting.

[@Neonatnoon]

I have a pot of tubers that are from my great grandmothers garden that have never bloomed. Now I know a little bit more and will be breaking them up, giving them some breathing room, and hopefully giving them a chance to bloom in the years to come! Thank you for the info.

[@fishing-gardening-travelling]

Any results?

[@Lotsielots]

You have probably had the crown of the peony root planted too deep. It shouldn't be planted more than 2 inches below the ground or it won't flower. Plus once messed with or moved they may not flower again for three years.

[@vondutch666]

thank you and take care.

[@annebeck2208]

While I love most of your videos, Garden Time TV dividing peonies is much better...The famous woman does it for living and her roots are amazing!!! But you have the best video for growing peonys in pots ever!!!

[@CloverSkyblue]

I bought peonies at Lowes and it is just look like those you have. I just getting ready to plant them and hopefully to see it grow and to have flowers like it was shown in the picture.

[@adrabruzzese7610]

You do such a good job explaining everything. Have a great weekend Jim.

[@JimPutnam]

Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy your weekend as well

[@jodic7760]

Thank you for sharing! You’re a good teacher.

[@LULC0759]

Great timing...I bought 4 in a pack from Costco today. I plan to plant one on my parents grave (family cemetery).

[@JimPutnam]

Awesome. Good luck with them

[@sherenahaigler6211]

Love all of your videos. This was perfect for me I just bought my first few bags of peony tubers and did not know how to put them in yet. Thank you.

[@mortb9]

I love how you get winded with minimal exertion!! That's me!!! lololol Sucks getting old!!!!!!!😅😅😅😅

[@Sullivan_Owen]

I think you'll probably get flowers on those larger divisions this year, they look strong. I would suggest if you divide more in the future you clean the clump off and try to cut a few storage roots and feeder roots in each clump as they need both to do well. I think you're also going to be moving them again this fall or next spring, they're pretty close together-most need 36" spacing even for a hedge! Hope they bloom for you!

[@michelehall7915]

Can you explain how to cut for storage and feeder roots? Not sure what those are. I’m new to peonies.

[@LZH13067]

I thought you weren't supposed to plant them deep. As in not more than 2" over the crown. I assumed that's why the one I had never flowered. I finally dug it up, divided and planted probably too shallow now. Oh well...

[@amynguyen7]

Did you do a follow up video after this one? Interested to see the results. I just inherited some peonies a couple of days ago. It's May. She said it will probably not bloom this year since we put it into shock, but at least the plant will get established and strong to survive our cold winters. I've NEVER had peonies before.

[@nadrienmarkowski5595]

I just transplanted some, and hope they take. Will also buy tubers-love their short root systems. Great presentation-thanks!

[@rdarrett3635]

How did you know I needed this video?!?!

[@l0shortyangel29]

I heard that peonies get pretty stressed when moved around and is advised to be left alone. Is that true?

[@michellesymonds3926]

Thank you so much for this

[@ckashino]

Thank you! 🎃

[@elliestell2696]

Thank you ,,

[@nancysego4989]

Love Love Love 💕

[@carmenbailey8209]

Peonies are hands down my favourite plant in my garden. But to add to that Japanese Peonies top of the my chart. I’m happy to say I have four different ones, I only wish is that all peonies would last longer in the garden. Look forward to seeing your collection. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊

[@mdiaz4734]

Thank you for the great informations! Peonies have always been my favorite, and I have never even thought about dividing them. Now I feel comfortable doing this. 😃 🌺

[@patsyden6276]

Thank you so much for sharing, I have learned a lot, very helpful 😊

[@judygray7718]

Very informative for this “newbie”. Thanks.

[@GrowingAGreenFinger]

i had no idea you could divide peonies. one of the many reasons i love gardening, always something new to learn. thank you.

[@LittleJordanFarm]

I've been wat thing for a couple weeks now..just want to let you know I'm enjoying..God bless

[@JimPutnam]

Welcome. Thank you very much for following along

[@klangklang5249]

Excellent video. You might have said it and I missed it but I'd like to specify this is for herbaceous peonies not the tree peony varieties or the itoh peony varieties. I'd imagine you'd propagate those in the same way you would roses and lavender (consecutively - use the Rose method for tree peonies and the lavender method for itoh). Please correct me if I'm wrong 🤓 I'm planting them for the first time this year so I'm looking for confirmation that I'd use the same methods I already know - this video confirms that the usual rhizome method works just as it always does for me.

[@melstrange2407]

Planted tubers I got from a garden center that never came up, planted around April/May are they not going to come up since I planted so late. I was hoping by now I would see something. I also live in NCand when I planted I made sure to leave the tuber a little above ground, there was no growth on them so I didn’t know which way to plant.

[@katieshangraw5298]

Great informative video!! Thank you!

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

Thanks for doing this video, so informative

[@marthajohnson3053]

Any special tips on the Fernleaf Peony?

[@DebiCoffey]

It's a hot summer in texas. We cleared my beloved mom's peonies before selling their home. Do I cut back I the lush foliage down low before planting again? They've bloomed and the spent blooms are still on.

[@dinoraportillo6863]

did you read my mind I need this video thank you very much

[@beckyscheller9358]

Love peony’s. I have several including a yellow IOTH ,could you do I video on the different kind# of peony’s

[@terrencegibbons3351]

Peonies rule

[@TracMcNguyen]

Will the broken roots left from transplanting grow into anything? I always get one or seven broken roots every time i have to dig up peonies.

[@peggyjk]

My peony’s can get 3 feet wide here in Michigan and if you bury to deep they won’t flower. Beautiful plants and they smell wonderful. Thanks Jim!!!

[@JimPutnam]

You are definitely in a better area to grow them in than we are here. The summer heat really makes them look rough. Thanks for watching

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I'm in Michigan too, and it's been several years since I planted the tubers (the bagged ones like he had; I got them at Walmart) and I thought they are only supposed to have about 1" of soil over the top of them, not 4 or 6. I remember losing a couple because I was totally guessing which side went up... it was REALLY hard to tell with the bag of tubers I got! Woops! Lol!

[@grantbayley100]

just got some for my sister who lives near rotourua nz

[@veggykid15]

Do you think that I would be able to dig up peonies now, let them go dormant, and replant them in the fall? They have finished blooming. Thanks.

[@clairemcconway6266]

they won't go dormant during the growing season, they would probably just die.

[@rachelphthisic]

I live on the outerbanks and planted my first peonies this spring! Not sure if they are really surviving. But I really hope they do!!! Any pointers for peonies on the coast?

[@anitahadley2871]

Lots of great info. Could you have kept them in that pot or do they start to decline?

[@lidadani5730]

Very nice 🌱

[@АннаАндреева-й7в]

Украина. Г. Харьков. Еслиб. У. Меня. Были. Крылья. Ябы. Полетела. В. Нидерланды. На. Поле. Пионов. Красота

[@dbashani]

Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking of dividing my peonies - missed the boat in fall. I'm curious- did they bloom after you divided them?

[@mrsseasea]

There is an old home near me where I have lived 59 years, she has old Peony’s that are beautiful, I just want to dig 2-3 tube up. Can I do that?

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

Always ask the land owner’s permission or else it’s stealing.

[@chrystaladams8373]

Hi Jim! A friend gave me a itoh peony tuber 2 years ago. I’m in Durham NC and my property has lots of trees and shade, so I planted the tubers in a large container so I could put it in a place with sun. This year there was more foliage than the year before but no blooms. I have read that they typically don’t bloom until year three. Is this true? If they do not bloom next spring, what should I do? Thanks so much!!

[@rosannataborn6072]

I have a question I’m so sad. I moved in this house 2 yrs ago today. Thought the peonies were weeds and cut them down but this yr I was late starting yard work so it grew only 3 stems it had the most beautiful peonie to bloom just one and my son in law weed eated today and chopped them down 💔 I’m so sad since it’s so early in season will it grow back this yr and bloom again or will it die out for this yr? Thank you.

[@mnvn]

Great video!!. My only major regret, as far as the peonies goes, I planted them too deep it just puts out new growth every year but no blooms I’m going to move them this year though.

[@pupikatz8442]

I did the same mistake... and moved them higher ! They are doing great!

[@jaclynvonahsen4548]

It might be your fertilizer/nitrogen content or your acidity that is keeping them from blooming…how are they doing now? Did you move them?

[@mnvn]

@@jaclynvonahsen4548 yes I did! I’m up North. I can’t wait for spring to see how they will be this year.

[@lotustravels]

Mine too not blooming since many years. May be i have dig it out and put it a little higher. At my hotel its not blooming but at my house its blooming every year.

[@lvthsun23]

I'm surprised that you planted them so close together. Won't they eventually grow into one big mass?

[@ElizabethM824]

I have peonies planted in full sun and make sure they get water in the summer. They bloom beautifully in the spring but then they get very raggedy looking by August. Is that normal? Or do they just need more water? Thanks!

[@JimPutnam]

Yes, very much tattered by midsummer. I usually have something planted in front to cover the foliage. I will probably put lantana in front them

[@carresteigerwald3278]

Hi, you mention further north, I'm in Pittsburgh zone 5/6 ..how deep for me?

[@adm6785]

I scored some gorgeous double pink peonies at Walmart of all places. Went from $49 for 2 tubers in a pot to $9. Should I leave them in their pot until fall or is it ok to plant them now (may 8, 22) for blooms next year? They have leaves, but no flowers.

[@gardendaisy]

When not to dig up? Ill be moving spring or summer

[@julieh7009]

I’m in 9a, formerly 8b, and I saw bags of peonies at HD. They were already trying to grow. I resisted the urge to buy them as I’m sure they’d just fry here (north central FL). I wonder why they sell them this far south. 🤔

[@JimPutnam]

I always have similar questions about other things as well

[@WilliamLyons5]

Peonies all good to move once they sprout? Everything I have read says autumn. I am still at the point where i have about 3-4" sprouts with no sets of leaf open. They are in a packed spring bed that has not been maintained and looking to move them.

[@BrianBerriosOne]

Did it bloom?

[@cqammaz53]

How do you support the large flower up? I hope to see an update of your newly planted Peonies soon

[@AmelieZh]

Zone 3 and others(neighbors) peony have grown but mine is droopy and sad looking. And do I need to buy lots for them to grow more? So far, I'm only seeing one flower

[@b.st.allnatures6268]

What is best fertiliser you put to peony, thanks?

[@graceatbaker]

I’d like to dig up some very well established peonies and transplant a few into pots. I want to take these to the next property I am moving to. I live “up north” in zone 5, and I know it’s not recommended but I really love these peonies. Can you tell me what size pots and how to stress them out the least? I think I’ll do it this fall/after they’ve died down because I see the red shoots starting to poke through now (got a couple inches of snow yesterday, but that’s life in zone 5. :)

[@marymcculloch7606]

Hi Jim I’ve had peonies for three years now I’ve never had a flower on any off them they come up lovely and green getting my hopes up and they just go a dark brown colour any advise would be appreciated thanks

[@patriciahoffman9679]

It’s December, May I divide my peony now? (I’m in the Raleigh area.)

[@doctortcbkk2027]

Jim- Atlanta zone 7 heavy clay here- could I dig up the tubers I planted last year and “re-situate” them a little above soil line? Bought them as beautiful blooms last year but after blooms died out, plants withered and are now barely showing new growth at soil line (2 of the 4 are).....

[@cdanerg9416]

I need help. My mother in law’s house just sold and I am allowed to take her peonies now. It is Memorial Day weekend. I likely have one month to get them. They are blooming now. What should I do? Thank you

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

Did you end up getting them?

[@GA-vr7ob]

Hello, do peonies that come in containers also generate tubes? So if i buy a container version can i later get tubers from it?

[@liyonsjose]

Hi jim. It was an excellent video. Is it anyhow possible to get these tubers. Or can u jus let me know where to get these tubers from. Thank you

[@jenniferng6889]

I just bought some bare root peony tubers and they’re putting on new growth. Can I plant them in the ground now in zone 7B Cumming, Georgia or do I need to wait until last frost date? Thanks!

[@uniteamerica9446]

Don't say Corona. I'm tired of that word. I bet you are too by now. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@elmormonteiro5780]

Hi. I transferred some peony but I damaged it. The eye barely have tuber and roots while the tuber has was cut into 2 with one part with roots. Will it still survive? Thanks.

[@misscandicern]

I just bought some peonies. Can I plant them in April once the soil is workable? Should I pot them while they are inside for a month? Zone 6a

[@iamtheicycle]

That’s what i did with mine today! Potted them and put them out in the sun till the soil is workable!

[@janice9395]

You made reference to 'here in my area' but failed to say where that is so we can adjust our planting.

[@JimPutnam]

Raleigh, NC zone 7b. It should say it at the beginning of every video. Thanks for watching

[@rheaadams1437]

Hi JIm, So I planted peony in the container and I know you don't planted deeply but for some reason -- I have noticed birds have been picking on the tips of the peony. Is that mean by next spring will not bloom? This is my first ever planted peony--excited much for next spring🌴🌴🌴

[@KB-tg9ge]

Hi, I bought some peonies in a pot last year. I like to put them in a different pot this year. Any suggestions? As far as do I need to remove the surrounding soil or just Put it in a larger pot and at soil? Thank you

[@countrygalinthecity]

Question....my husband was out working on the goat pastures and found a load of peonies up out there and now have buds on them...would it be okay to transplant those? The goats will eat them if I leave them

[@dawnaadams7807]

I live in kings mountain NC I planted my peonies last fall first time ever planting them and nothing’s came up yet I wonder if I planted to deep 😭😭😭 should they be up yet ?

[@JimPutnam]

Probably not up there. A couple more weeks probably

[@judichristophersen7238]

Can you plant Pennie in Florida?

[@elizabethwentz8211]

Nice explanation on planting. What kind of shovel are you using?

[@sheilafade2016]

So they do multiply.?

[@elviamunoz326]

I can’t seem to find peonies!!