They are among the oldest flowering plants on earth - the peonies. They are now available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors and delight the minds of many gardeners. Why, how and when do you share them?
When and how do you divide a peony?
The best time to divide a peony is during its dormant period in fall (August to October). First, remove the yellowed foliage, carefully dig up the plant and divide the rhizome into pieces with a minimum of three and a maximum of seven buds. Plant the sections in a new location 2-3 cm deep.
Share – less for rejuvenation than for multiplication
While other perennials should be divided regularly, otherwise they will age quickly and become lazy to bloom, this form of rejuvenation is unnecessary for peonies. Peonies usually last for many decades in their location if it is suitable.
Dividing the rootstock is particularly useful if one or more of the following points are present:
- Location has proven to be unsuitable
- Plants are constantly sick
- Bloom becomes weaker from year to year
- Plant should be propagated
The ideal time: autumn
Divide your peonies when they are in their dormant phase. Then they can best cope with this procedure. The rest phase begins around August/September. You should have completed the division by October. You can recognize the beginning of the rest phase when the foliage of the peony turns yellow.
Divide the plant correctly
First, the yellowed leaves should be removed. Then carefully dig up the peony. You can use a digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon) or a spade for this. After digging, remove thick balls of soil by hand and wash the rhizome with water (e.g. using a garden hose). Then it is easier to see where exactly the branches and buds are.
Now the plant is divided:
- with a spade or sharp knife
- each section at least 3 buds
- maximum 7 buds per section
- plant in a new location
The correct planting depth now counts at the new location. Peonies are planted with their buds 2 to 3 cm (maximum 4 cm) deep. Otherwise they will become lazy to bloom. Water the plant well and protect it with brushwood in the first winter!
Tip
In contrast to farmer's peonies, which also sprout from 'sleeping' buds, noble peonies and Chinese peonies only sprout from the reddish buds that are already visible. Please keep this in mind when dividing!
