A peony bush is not just a decorative element of the garden, but a source of pride for every gardener.
But there are times when they need to be moved.
Why? Who knows, maybe the peonies decided to "take offense" at the soil or there was not enough sun. How can we cope with this task without harming the flowers?
August and September are the best months for replanting peonies.
The plant rests after flowering, and autumn rains provide the necessary moisture for rooting.
If you move peonies too early or too late, there is a risk that they will not take root.
Why is it so important to choose the right time? It's a question of root health. In winter, weak plants can freeze, and in spring, they won't have time to gain strength.
Light is important for these flowers. But the scorching sun can harm them, so it is better to choose a slightly shaded place.
Clay or black soil with good drainage is what you need.
Peonies do not like drafts, so it is better to avoid areas near fences where the wind “walks”.
If the location is chosen correctly, the bush will delight you with its flowering for many years.
Before replanting peonies, you need to prepare. Here are a few steps:
1. Trim the stems, leaving 5–7 cm stumps. This will help avoid excess moisture evaporation.
2. Dig around the bush at a distance of 25–30 cm from the center so as not to damage the roots.
3. Carefully dig up the bush using a pitchfork or shovel. Do not pull the stems - you can damage the root system.
After the bush is dug up, it needs to be washed with water. This will help to see the roots and separate them.
To divide the bush, you need a sharp and disinfected blade. Each fragment should contain 3-5 buds and healthy roots about 10-15 cm long.
The cuts are treated with charcoal or ash. This will protect the plant from infections and rotting.
The planting hole should be deep – about 50–60 cm.
A drainage layer is placed on the bottom: gravel, sand or expanded clay. Then it is filled with a mixture of garden soil, humus and sand.
The peony roots are placed carefully so as not to damage them. The buds are left at a depth of 3-5 cm. Too deep planting can lead to weak flowering.
After planting, the soil is watered generously. If the soil has settled, it is added.
After transplantation, peonies require special attention. A few recommendations: