A Year of Cut Flowers

Dividing peonies

with THE LAND GARDENERS — Award-winning garden designers and cut flower growers on a mission to save our soil.

Lesson 36 of 37

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Contrary to common belief, peonies benefit from being moved, and in this lesson Bridget and Henrietta demonstrate when and how to move peonies, how to divide their roots, and how to store them in winter.

From the Lesson Workbook

Dividing Peonies

  • Peonies like being moved every so often; this should be done in the autumn.
  • When lifting peonies from the ground, remember to divide the roots before replanting.
  • Root clumps of old peonies can be either cut into smaller pieces or, if the roots are twisted together, they should be pulled apart, making sure that the new roots have at least two or three buds above them.
  • The newly created roots should be cleaned of soil and stored dry in straw over winter to be planted out in spring.
  • Cutting off any damaged or diseased area will prevent root rot from developing.

Interesting Facts

  • Peony roots have a pleasant smell and are used in Chinese medicine.
  • Peonies benefit from periods of frost.

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Rated 4.7/5 on Trustpilot

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Very good tutorial from a professional garden...

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The Land Gardeners

Your Instructor

The Land Gardeners

Award-winning garden designers and cut flower growers on a mission to save our soil.

Garden designers, flower growers and compost creators, Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy joined forces to found The Land Gardeners in 2012. United by their passion for organically grown plants and a shared interest in soil health, they began by growing and selling cut flowers to esteemed florists, and worked on restoring historic gardens to their former glory. Most recently, they launched Climate Compost - a project born from years of inquisitive research into soil biology with the aim of creating a microbially rich compost that produces nutrient dense crops, while also supporting and boosting the local ecosystem. With an unwavering commitment to improving the health of our land and its biodiversity, The Land Gardeners’ approach is one of sensitivity, unparalleled expertise and, above all, a loving respect for the natural world and its preservation.

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