tree peony transplanting

levilyla · Apr 12, 2007

I have to move a very large tree peony because of new wall construction. I know they do not like to be moved...any suggestions on being able to save this beautiful yellow blooming one? Still can't figure out how to post a picture!

maggiec · Apr 13, 2007

Approx. how big/tall is your peony?

I moved one that was about 4.5 ft tall/9+ yrs old. The root system was fairly large & I had to prune a couple of branches to fit it into my vehicle. It did quite well and although I only got a couple of flowers the first spring, it did much better the next season. I moved it in the fall.

levilyla · Apr 13, 2007

Thanks..not moving it very far and not in my car...but I thnk transplanting it now will be the problem. I have no choice however. thank you. Nancy

Liz · Apr 13, 2007

Make sure it is nice and watered and hopefully you can keep a good soil ball on it. I would take soil from the area you are removing it from to replant some of it in the new area. That might also lessen shock. After you have dug it up can you wrap the roots so they stay intact and are not too stressed in the move.

Some information that might help. Came from a commercial Australian site. They did say they were difficult things to grow??

From http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1605365.htm :

When planting a tree peony dig the hole so it’s roughly a metre around, and 30 centimetres deep. The secret to planting a tree peony is lime and plenty of it. We have agricultural lime and dolomitic limestone. Agricultural lime is much stronger so only use half as much. Use about four litres of agricultural lime (so if you use dolomite, use twice as much). Add just under four litres of chicken manure pellets to the same hole. Don't tease the roots out because they are fleshy and it’s important not to damage them, so just plant them straight in. Simply backfill and water
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Here is another mentioning lime. This is one of the local commercial growers near where I live: http://www.hellohello.com.au/peony.html

The secret is Lime –and plenty of it", says Ron. While most Australian soils are fairly acidic, at around 6 - 6.5 ph, tree peonies evolved in the poor, limestone based soils of north-western China, and prefer a much more alkaline soil. Ron says that to get the best results from your peonies you should first add 8-10 handfuls of dolomite lime to the planting hole, which will ensure vigorous growth and healthy stems for many years
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Ron recommends keeping the plant in its pot until about April, then planting it in a well-drained soil that has had the addition of dolomite lime. Plant your tree peonies in a position that receives at morning sun, as the flowers will last longer if there is protection from harsh afternoon sun. A surface mulch will help to keep the roots cool. Apply the mulch around the root zone, allowing space around the crown for your peony to grow. Remove dead leaves as they fall in the autumn, taking care not to damage the buds on the main plant. Tree peonies are fairly drought tolerant, but if you keep the water up to tree peonies, especially during flowering, you will help to promote healthy growth. When plants reach several years of age you may start to notice some yellowing of the leaves, if this occurs an application of a few more handfuls of lime around the top of the soil is required
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Liz

levilyla · Apr 13, 2007

That is really interesting...I had no idea they liked lime. This is very helpful information....thanks so much. Nancy (it may even do better since I mostly have acid soil) LOL

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tree peony transplanting

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