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Ask a Gardening QuestionBeginner Gardening Questions & Guides: First time gardener questionsWhat to do with my Peony?

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What to do with my Peony?

#1 · 21st March 2024, 11:28 am

Hi again Lee. When we moved last June, I inherited quite a mixture of lovely plants and shrubs, one of which is a beautiful Peony. Last year, it had more or less finished flowering when we moved, so I left it alone. It is now coming up through some sort of ground cover plant and is right underneath quite a large Choisya bush. I've cut back some of the Choisya to allow more light in, but I just wondered, do I dig it up and move it elsewhere, or will it be ok where it is? I don't know how big it will get and if there is room in its current spot? Would appreciate your advice, also can you identify the ground cover plant it's pushing up through? Thank you. Katherine 😊

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#2 · 24th March 2024, 2:20 pm

Hi @my-tiny-garden

I would only move a Peony after it has finished flowering. If you do it now, you will stress the Peony out, and it probably won't flower and may be weakened for next year. Peonies send buds up early in the season, well before they flower, around May or July in some cases.

So enjoy your Peony this year. Then, when it's finished flowering and the leaves start to yellow or die back, dig it up and relocate it in Autumn time. Water it thoroughly when you move it.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja

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#3 · 24th March 2024, 4:17 pm

Thanks for your help Lee, I'll do that 😊🥷