Plant doctor needed

Victoria
by Victoria
While relocating a young peony I accidentally broke the entire top off. I replanted the roots and put the top in water. Does anyone know if the root will regrow or the top will root? I have always loved peonies and have been trying to grow this one for 3 years. thank you
  6 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Mar 20, 2014
    The top won't root, but the roots should be fine. I will caution, however, that this is the wrong time of year to move peonies—it should be done in the fall—and they generally resent moving (although I know we are going to hear from folks who have repeatedly moved theirs).
  • Douglas is right-peonies do not like to be moved. It takes 3 years for most plants to start growing and peonies are no exception. the only caution with planting is that you kept the roots at the right depth and no deeper than they were. Do not be surprised if it does not bloom this year or even next if you moved it now. Good luck
    • @The Garden Frog with C Renee I just have to add that moving plants can be done almost any time (especially in higher zones) if the ground is not frozen. I have lived in zone 5 and May-October were optimum times but here in my zone 7 I can move plants almost every month except Jan & Feb because we have cold weather. (and the only time I do not move plants is in Dec-March when winter sets in but I have been known to plant in Dec). There are many plants that do not like to be moved at certain times and, if it is a blooming plant, may lose its blooms or not bloom at all until the next year or two. I have moved plants in the heat of July many times throughout the summer if I find the plant does not work in a bed. The key is the rain. I try and move plants when it is going to rain and this has given me a 98% success rate. I also have rain barrels and find that plants enjoy and do much better with rain water than city water.
  • Dee Dee on Mar 20, 2014
    Victoria something to remember, Plant this in your head as far as moving plants around. If it blooms in the spring move it in the fall, If it blooms in the fall move it in the spring.Some plants can be moved after they bloom as long as it is not to hot or cold and give them time to adjust before winter.Hope this helps.Enjoy the peonys in the vase.
  • Lea Gough Lea Gough on Mar 20, 2014
    Dee is correct - and the same applies to pruning shrubs.
  • Lea Gough Lea Gough on Mar 20, 2014
    I also agree with Douglas & Renee.
  • Darwin Darwin on Mar 20, 2014
    I agree with Doug, Renee & Dee.