Skip navigation.

Moving a peony

Last post 29-07-2009 11:43 AM by Gertie. 5 replies.

Page 1 of 1 (6 items)

  • 18/06/2009 06:16 PM
    • Lizzy
    • 23 Apr 2007
    • 3
    Not Ranked
    Reply | Contact

    I have moved a peony that was being overgrown by a large shrub into a more open space. Also I didn't want workmen standing all over it when the new fence went up last Saturday.  The problem is, it has now wilted and I wish to know if I should cut the foliage back?  It has been watered every night.  I'm not sure of the name of the plant but it has gorgeously scented bright yellow blousy blooms above a greenish blue foliage.  The leaves emerge from short, woody looking stems that I've never cut back before.  I think I might regret moving it.  Can anyone help and also suggest what it might be called?

     

    Many thanksBig Smile
  • 22/06/2009 09:55 PM
    In reply to
    Top 10 Contributor
    Reply | Contact

    Sounds like it is kaput - very bad idea to move shrubs in warm dry weather in midsummer. Water should help, but as you have nothing to lose you might as well cut it back it might live; you should know by September. Good luck Boggy

    Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
  • 26/06/2009 01:17 PM
    In reply to
    • Alix
    • Bristol
    • 19 Dec 2008
    • 47
    Top 100 Contributor
    Reply | Contact

    Did the peony have lots of healthy looking tubers? It may survive but I would definitely cut back the leaves as they will lose water. If it was me I would water heavily but less often to encourage rooting but avoid rotting the tubers - what do you think boggy? I know someone who moved a peony recently (against my advice) and it wilted. She did it because she had moved others before with success, but in autumn. Its never good to move plants when they are growing, wait until they are dormant. A sprinkling of bonemeal may help, and possibly some seaweed but no nitrogen fertilisers. Then you will just have to wait until next spring to see if it comes back.

  • 26/06/2009 05:17 PM
    In reply to
    • Lizzy
    • 23 Apr 2007
    • 3
    Not Ranked
    Reply | Contact

    Yes, it had a lot of long fat tubers some of which were very deep.  I replanted it immediately in the prepared hole of the same depth and width.  I've now cut off the leaves. I have been watering it daily when its hot but every other when its cooler, and I suppose we'll wait and see.  I think I know now what it is called so if all else fails I shall replace it. 

    Many thanks for the feedback and adviceBig Smile
  • 26/06/2009 07:03 PM
    In reply to
    • mariella
    • italy
    • 22 Feb 2009
    • 18
    Top 200 Contributor
    Reply | Contact

    sorry mariacorinna
  • 29/07/2009 11:43 AM
    In reply to
    • Gertie
    • Norfolk
    • 23 Jul 2009
    • 1
    Not Ranked
    Reply | Contact

    Hi I am new to this website and all its benifits. Just a little info but a little late now.  You can move peony's, though they say that you shouldn't. Although you should wait until they have stopped growing and all the leaves have turned blackish in the autumn. Move them to the desired place not burying the crown and then cut them down to about an inch to 2 inches above the ground. I did this after having spoken to one of the gardener's at Heligan and mine have flourished this year.  Sorry it's late for you now but good to know for the future. Bye for nowHuh?