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 inspire the minds of many gardeners. Why, how and when do you share them?

By division, the peony can be rejuvenated

Divide - less for rejuvenation than for multiplication

While other perennials should be divided regularly, otherwise they will age quickly and become lazy, this form of rejuvenation is unnecessary for peonies. Peonies usually live in their location for many decades if it is suitable.

A division of the rootstock is particularly useful when one or more of the following points are present:

  • Location has proven to be unsuitable
  • Plants are always sick
  • Flowering becomes weaker from year to year
  • plant is to be propagated

The ideal time: autumn

Divide your peonies when they are in their dormant phase. Then they can cope best with this procedure. The dormant phase begins around August/September. You should have completed the division by October. You can recognize the onset of the resting phase by the fact that the foliage of the peony turns yellow.

Properly divide the plant

First, the yellowed foliage should be removed. After that, carefully dig up the peony. You can use a digging fork or a spade for this. After digging, remove thick balls of soil by hand and wash out the rootstock with water (e.g. using a garden hose). Then it is easier to see exactly where 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 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. Water the plant well and protect it with brushwood during the first winter!

tips

In contrast to farmer peonies, which also sprout from 'sleeping' buds, noble peonies and Chinese peonies only sprout from the reddish buds that are already visible. Keep this in mind when sharing!

Category:

Vegetable garden