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Hudge Peony Roots
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Posted by agrowingpassion 7B Raleigh, NC (My Page) on Thu, Oct 4, 07 at 11:57
| I'm an avid gardener but new at transplanting peonies. I just dug (due to a move) 8-10 hudge plants. The root system is full of eyes and I'm not sure just how to divide them. Some of the roots broke off (with some eyes) and I'll just plant them but I'm not sure what to do with the large ones. They are the size of a shrub root and very tangled and twisted. Should I just plant the whole thing or use a spade and cut into 4 or so pieces or more pieces? I've been told to soak the roots before planting and of course amend the soil but I'm clueless as to how to split the hudge root. What would happen if I leave it in one piece? Would it make a larger plant therfore giving it a better start or not. I'd love to start off with a few large plants. Good or bad dicision? HELP!!! |
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RE: Hudge Peony Roots
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A peony only has to be divided every 10-15 yrs. How old are your plants? Will they need to be divided soon anyway? Would 1 large plant be better than 2 medium plants? Do you have a location for two, or would you rather save the space for some new plants at your new home? Glad to help :)
When I divided, I untangled it as much as possible. Then just cut it up. You should keep at least 3-4 eyes on each plant. I also sprinkled some fungicide on the roots to keep it from rotting. As far as soaking, I never heard that. I would worry about causing it to rot. I would think that as long as you kept it watered it should be good. Good-luck! |
RE: Hudge Peony Roots
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| Soaking is suggested if you are planting peony roots that have been shipped to you and appear dry. In your case I don't think yo have to worry about that. And lastly, 3-4 eyes per root is correct. Good luck! |
RE: Hudge Peony Roots
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| By now you have already replanted but for those that have not divided yet I provide some information. Some peonies divide easier than others. Wash the clump free of soil. This will allow you to see if any portions need to be removed. Peonies that have been in the ground for a while may have hollow tubes for roots. If they have buds they can be replanted and will produce regular roots. Let sit for several days if possible as it will allow roots to lose some moisture. Dividing when freshly dug may cause the roots to split rather than have an even cut. Even with allowing to sit you may need a small saw to separate. Some also use a chisel. It is important to allow the cuts to dry before replanting as the cuts provide an entry way for bacteria while moist. Although herbaceous peonies generally do not need constant dividing the intersectionals become almost impossible to divide after three years. Soaking is more for tree peonies to give the stem moisture before putting in ground but planting in fall I would not suggest for the other types of peonies. |
RE: Hudge Peony Roots
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| Until you have dug an old peony you don't realize how massive and tangled the roots are. maifleur make an important point that a newly dug root is VERY brittle and easily breaks in the wrong places when you try and unwind the roots to divide. As he points out give the dug root a couple of days out of the ground to soften up so it will bend without breaking, before you attempt to make divisions. Al |
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