Moving peonies

[Anonymous]

I have two peonies that I would like to bring to our new house. Unfortunately this means I need to transplant them now rather than in the fall, which I know they would prefer. Any tips? Could I put them in big pots until I have a better sense of where I want them in the yard? Or is that a recipe for two dead peonies?

[Anonymous]

Why not just get new ones,? Much better odds of success.

[Anonymous]

I transplanted a bunch of peonies a month ago and they seem to be doing great (with a lot of watering from me in this dry weather). Not sure that answers your question. But it’s worth a try to move them. The worst that will happen is you lose them despite some effort and time. But if they survive, then great!
I think I would try to find the right sunny spot for them now rather than putting them in a pot.

[Anonymous]

I’d wait until you know where they are going. I’ve been much more aggressive about transplanting plants that don’t seem to be doing well the last few years and most have thrived

[Anonymous]

Peonies don’t like to be move so figure out the spot and replant. Water often this summer. Don’t be surprised if they don’t bloom this summer,

[Anonymous]

You can move them now. Peonies are pretty hardy. You can put them in containers till you’re ready to plant in fall. Just make sure you plant them at the same level. If the roots are planted too deep they won’t flower.

[Anonymous]

Do you know what they’re called? I agree with just buying new ones and being patient.

[Anonymous]

I move peonies all the time. Go ahead and dig them up. They will probably be happier in the ground than a pot, so make yourself a garden bed at the new place and put them in. Think of it as a nursery bed if you need to, and then move the plants again if you want to. In our summer weather you’d need to water the peonies in pots almost daily…if you can’t do that, the ground is better even if they need to be moved twice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not just get new ones,? Much better odds of success.

OP here. It’s a fair question. The tree peony took years to become more than a stick with a single leaf and started really showing off this year. It was also a gift from my mom, so has some sentimental value. Plus they’re both just beautiful.

[Anonymous]

OP back. Thanks all for this great advice. I’m going to give it a try and get them in the ground at our new place asap. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not just get new ones,? Much better odds of success.

OP here. It’s a fair question. The tree peony took years to become more than a stick with a single leaf and started really showing off this year. It was also a gift from my mom, so has some sentimental value. Plus they’re both just beautiful.

Absolutely move the tree peony. They are quite expensive.