Dividing Peonies

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 8 (Supplement)

Dividing Peonies

.yLTHOUGH tlic peony resents disturbance and flowers much more freely after it lias been established for a year or two, there comes a time when Lifting is necessary. This may be because the soil lias become impoverished and poor growth is being made, or else it is desired to increase the number of plants. When lifting has to be done, now is the best time to do it. The plants become established quickly at this season of the year, sending out new roots and taking a firm hold of the soil before winter sets in. As it is important that the roots must not be damaged unduly, care in lifting is necessary. The best method is to dig a trench round the plant, about two feet from the centre, or just beyond the spread of the roots. Then, with a small tined fork break away the soil until it is possible to lift the plant bodily. If replanting is the object in lifting, no further disturbance of the roots will be necessary. When, however, it is desired to increase the number of plants by division, all the soil must be removed by prodding it with a pointed stick. It will then bo an easy matter to divide up the plant with a sharp knife into the required number of pieces. Make sure that each portion has one or more buds. These are to be found at the bases of the old leaf stalks. Prepare the ground for planting by digging it two spits deep and work decayed manure into the subsoil. A position shaded from the mid-day sun is best for peonies. When planting, set the buds about two inches below the level of the soil.