Digging and dividing paeonies is hard work, the roots are extensive and enormous. It makes me sweat not because of the work but because of my terror as the roots break and I realise all the years I’ve invested in growing this plant are running backwards. The plants will not die but it will be a long time before I get back to where I was.
There is another way of propagating them and the damage is minimal. It involves leaving on last year’s dead foliage till February or March. Take hold of the dead stem and pull it backwards that is at 180 degrees to the way it was lying, sharply.
What usually happens is that the dead stem (which is very strong) comes away with a basal bud and a chunk of root. Cut off the old stem leaving a couple of inches of leg and pot up the rest. LABEL IT.
You don’t need a greenhouse. The paeony has been outside, but you will need to prevent it drying unduly by putting it somewhere shady until the root has filled the pot and you can plant it out.
Hey presto!
