Planting & Transplanting Peonies in Fall

It’s Autumn! The time of year when gardeners are scurrying to get their garden beds and plant babies ready for the winter months ahead!

While you are hurrying to take care of all your garden chores, don’t forget your Peony plants!

Scented, Ruffled, and Romantic Must-Haves!
Planting and Transplanting Peony Plants
Easy Peasy Peonies!

Scented, Ruffled, and Romantic Must-Haves!

Peony plants are spring must-haves in gardens all around the world! This is due to more gardeners catching the drift about how easy to grow and how beautiful these plants are! Not to mention their heavenly scent!

Peonies are long-lived perennial plants that are remarkably cold-hardy! Sometimes found growing on abandoned farmsteads for decades, Peony plants are easier to grow than other plants due to their nature to be able to sustain themselves without much human interference!

They handle periods of drought, aren’t particular about soil type as long as it is well-drained, and are widely adaptable to a wide range of environments!

They make excellent focal points and garden fillers after the ruffled blooms have faded. Their dense green, lobed foliage works as edging and leafy backdrops, and fringe!

But those blooms! The soft fragrance of the Peony plant will waft in the air and provide a nice springtime feel outdoors, and to your home when used in your bouquets. No matter what the color scheme is, there is a Peony plant that will complement it perfectly!

Peony plant blooms come in nearly all colors, except for shades of blue, and can be quite large and voluminous. Peony plants also bloom early, usually in mid to late spring, and would work as a great start for a long, colorful flowering season!

All this and so very little fussing to keep them looking as good as they naturally do!

Planting and Transplanting Peony Plants

Keeping these fuss-free perennials happy is easy! Finding a full sun location in well-drained soil is the easy part since Peony perennials are so easy-going! And planting or transplanting your plants is just as easy!

Peonies are best planted and transplanted while dormant - so spring and fall are best, but you can plant container Peonies any time when the ground isn’t frozen. Also, you should avoid transplanting or dividing Peonies when they are in bloom.

Step By Step Peony Planting

Once you have your chosen Peony and a well-drained and sunny location, ensure the site accommodates the Peony's mature spread without crowding. These plants need good air circulation and morning sun to help prevent powdery mildew. Pick a site that will not soon be shaded out by young trees growing nearby as well.

Dig a hole that is as deep as the plant's roots - as deep as it is planted in its container or as deep as the bareroot plants were planted previously before the roots were dug. The crown of the Peony (where the roots come together) should be just an inch or so beneath the surface of the soil.
The hole should be large enough to house the entire root system freely, and not in a large clump.
Soak your container until bubbles stop rising or soak your bareroots for a few hours until overnight.
Remove your Peony from the pot or remove the bareroot plants from their soaking pot and spread their roots out in the hole and adjust the planting depth.
Fill the hole with some soil, fill the hole with water, and let it drain away before backfilling with additional soil.
Water in again and gently tamp down to remove extra air pockets.
Top with 3-4 inches of arborist mulch to hold in moisture and add insulation
Check daily using the Finger Test Method and maintain consistent moisture levels until the ground freezes or your plant is established and can hold its own.

Step-by-Step Peony Transplanting

Can I transplant Peonies in the fall? Yes!

Transplanting Peonies is often done when they are not growing, either in the early spring (before they grow/bloom) or late fall. You may need to transplant your Peony for a variety of reasons.

One reason is that the plant may not be thriving in its current location. This may be for several reasons, including not enough sun or poor soil drainage. Maybe the Peony got too large for its location, or you are moving and taking your plant with you? Another reason is that you have divided your Peonies, a chore that should be done every few years. Spreading these joyful plants into more areas of your landscape or sharing them with friends, family, and neighbors!

Transplanting is just as easy as planting!

Planting Peonies in Soil

If your Peonies have gone dormant, trim away all stems and foliage down to a few inches and remove the debris from the area.
Dig around the plant, about a foot away from the stems, and dig fairly deep - straight down. The underground root structure of a Peony plant can sometimes get pretty large, and it is important not to damage any of the tubers if possible.
Using a garden fork, gently begin lifting all around.
Once the plant is up, remove as much of the soil from around the tubers as possible. This can be done using water or lightly shaking the roots.
Once the soil has been removed, you will be left with a mass of fleshy tuberous roots that can be cut into smaller pieces to move into other areas of the landscape and maintain the vigor of the individual clumps.
Using a clean knife, or sharp spade, divide your Peonies by cutting the tubers into pieces with at least 5-7 eyes. The eyes are pink or green and pointed and each eye will become a stem as these eyes sprout in spring.
Select a new location that will satisfy the needs of the plant and follow the steps for Planting a Peony above.

Easy Peasy Peonies!

Planting and transplanting Peonies brings scented beauty to your landscape! Not to mention drawing butterflies and Hummingbirds into your garden and ample blooms for cut flower gardens!

Remember that when you plant a new Peony or transplant an existing plant to a new location, you will need a bit of patience, as only about half of these plants will bloom the first year. In the 2nd year, they should all bloom, and in the 3rd year, they will usually have developed more stems and produced a nice clump for you to enjoy.

Check out our Garden Blog and #ProPlantTips for all your Peony and Perennial Plant Care needs! Nature Hills is here to help you with all your favorite plants’ care and maintenance!

So check out all the gorgeous Peony varieties available for shipping this fall, and we’ll get your order shipped to you at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!

Happy Planting (and Transplanting)!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to transplant peonies?

The best time to transplant peonies is in early to mid-fall, typically September through October, when the plants have gone dormant after the first frost. This timing allows the roots to establish before winter while avoiding disruption during the active growing season. Choose a day when soil conditions are workable and plant divisions immediately in their new location with eyes positioned 1-2 inches below the soil surface.

How deep should I plant peonies, and why do they fail to bloom if planted too deep?

Plant peony eyes (buds) no more than 2 inches below the soil surface in most climates, or just 1 inch deep in zones 7-9. When planted too deep, peonies redirect their energy into producing foliage rather than flowers, often resulting in years without blooms. The growing points need to experience winter chill near the surface to trigger proper flower development. Position the crown carefully at planting and resist the urge to add extra soil or mulch over the growing points.

Can I transplant peonies in the fall, spring, or summer?

Fall is the ideal time to transplant peonies, typically from late September through October when plants are entering dormancy. Spring transplanting can stress the plants and may result in reduced blooming for 1-2 years, while summer transplanting should be avoided as the heat can shock the root system. For best results, transplant on a cool, overcast day and ensure the crown is planted no more than 2 inches below soil level in well-draining soil.

How do I dig up peonies without damaging the roots or rhizomes?

To safely dig up peonies, wait until late September through October when the foliage has died back naturally. Use a spade to dig a wide circle 12-18 inches from the plant's center, going down 12-15 inches deep to avoid cutting through the fleshy roots and crown. Gently lift the entire root ball and shake off excess soil to expose the pink or white "eyes" (growing buds) on the crown. Divide large clumps with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring each division has 3-5 eyes and adequate root system.

Should I cut back the stems before transplanting peonies, and how short?

Yes, cut back peony stems to 2-3 inches above ground level before transplanting in fall. This reduces transplant shock and prevents the plant from wasting energy on foliage instead of establishing new roots. Make clean cuts with sharp pruning shears after the first frost has naturally begun to kill back the stems. Remove all cut foliage from the garden to prevent disease issues.

How far apart should I space peonies when planting or transplanting?

When planting or transplanting peonies, space them 3-4 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and ensure proper air circulation. This spacing prevents overcrowding as these long-lived perennials can grow quite large over time, reaching 2-3 feet wide at maturity. Proper spacing also reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can occur when plants are too close together. Plant in fall, 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost for best establishment.

What kind of soil preparation is needed for planting peonies, including amendments?

Peonies thrive in well-drained soil and aren't particular about soil type, making soil preparation straightforward. The most important requirement is ensuring proper drainage, as waterlogged conditions can cause root rot. For heavy clay soils, work in 2-3 inches of compost or coarse sand to improve drainage before planting. Choose a full sun location and avoid adding high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce blooming.

How do I divide peony clumps, and how many eyes should each division have?

To divide peony clumps, carefully lift the entire root system in fall after foliage dies back, then use a sharp, clean knife to cut the crown into sections. Each division should have 3-5 healthy eyes (pink or white buds) and a substantial portion of roots attached. Plant divisions immediately at the same depth as the original plant, with eyes positioned 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Space new divisions 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature growth and ensure good air circulation.

Where should I locate peonies for full sun and good drainage?

Peonies thrive in locations that receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and have well-draining soil that doesn't retain standing water. Choose a spot with good air circulation to prevent fungal issues, avoiding low-lying areas where water collects or overly wet clay soils. These adaptable perennials tolerate various soil types as long as drainage is adequate, making them suitable for zones 3-8. Select a permanent location since peonies develop extensive root systems and prefer not to be moved once established.

How often should I water newly transplanted peonies, and until when?

Water newly transplanted peonies deeply once per week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, until the ground freezes in late fall. During their first growing season after transplanting, maintain consistent moisture but avoid overwatering since peonies prefer well-drained soil and can rot in waterlogged conditions. Once established after their first year, peonies are remarkably drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental watering. Monitor soil moisture by checking 2-3 inches deep and water only when the soil feels dry at that depth.

Transplanting and Planting Peonies