How to Grow and Care for Peonies

crowded. That means a 3- to 4-foot diameter for each plant.

Peonies like a good chill in the winter. Set their flower buds by planting peony roots relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2 inches deep. It may feel odd to leave roots exposed but peonies need this chilling to attain dormancy and set buds.

Your peonies will benefit from some support staking.
 

Transplanting

If an established peony needs to be moved, transplanting should be done carefully to avoid disturbing the roots any more than necessary. These plants can thrive in the same spot for decades, but moving one hastily can bring about its demise. Fall is the best time to move a peony. Transplanting requires compost or peat moss, a sharp spade, and a tarp. Here's how to transplant a peony plant:

1. At the new planting site, till up the soil 12 to 18 inches deep, and mix in a 4-inch layer of compost or peat moss.
2. Water the peony with 1 inch of water a day or two before transplanting. Your plant must be well-hydrated before moving it.
3. Dig around the root ball of the peony using a sharp spade, getting as much soil as possible. Slide a tarp under the root ball to keep it intact, then lift the plant from the ground and carry or slide it carefully to the new location.
4. At the new location, dig a hole twice as wide as the peony's root ball, and exactly as deep as the root ball. Plant the peony at the same depth as in its old location
5. Backfill around the plant. Tamp the soil down with your hands, but do not pack it too tightly.
6. Water thoroughly. Add a 3-inch layer of compost or mulch around the base of the plant. This will keep the roots moist and cool while the plant gets established in its new location.

Peony Care

Here is an overview of the basic and main care requirements for growing a peony plant:

• Place peonies in a spot with six or more hours of full sun.
• Plant peonies in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Provide peonies with 1 to 2 inches of water weekly.
• Hardy to USDA zones 3 to 9, know that peonies require a chilling period of around six weeks of temperatures below 40°F in the winter to set spring buds.
• Right after blooming, feed peonies with a mix of compost and a small amount of fertilizer once a year.