Lesson 6
Dividing and moving (rarely)
The rule: don't move a peony unless you have to. They take 2–3 years to settle and re-flower after any disturbance.
If you must — lift in early October when leaves yellow. Wash the soil off the crown so you can see the eyes. Divide with a sharp knife so each piece has at least 3–5 eyes plus a generous root mass.
Replant immediately at the correct shallow depth. Mulch and water in. Be patient.
A peony given to you is a small piece of history — they're routinely divided from plants over 50 years old. Label the divisions with the date, parent's name, and the year you got it. It becomes a kind of garden archaeology.