The huge fragrant inflorescences of peonies had long faded, and for almost two months these plants remained unattended. At the end of August it is time not only to replenish the collection of peonies, but also to divide the old bushes. Division of the bush should be carried out every 10 years so that the flowers do not become smaller and the number of buds on a bush remains high. If you like the variety and want to propagate it, you can divide peonies every 4-5 years.
Why you should know the nuances of planting peonies
In Ukraine, peonies are one of the most popular garden flowers of early summer. To successfully grow these spectacular plants and enjoy their beauty every year, you need to know the features of autumn division and planting of the bush.
Our climate is unpredictable. Delicate garden plants must tolerate temperature changes, lack of moisture in the soil and other extreme conditions. Compliance with the planting technique recommended below increases the survival of plants, promotes the development of a powerful root system and creates favorable conditions for flowering.
Dates for autumn planting of peonies
All herbaceous peonies take root well after division, so old bushes can be used to produce new plants and propagate the variety. It is important to dig up the bushes at least six weeks before the ground freezes to give the plant time to acclimate before the onset of cold weather.
Which bushes can be divided
A garden peony, especially if it is a powerful and luxurious ito-hybrid peony, removes a huge amount of nutrients from the soil. Being in the same place for a long time, the plant significantly depletes the soil and blooms poorly. To correct the situation, peonies are transplanted to a new location every 10 years. This is the best time to divide the rhizome. This agrotechnical technique provides new planting material and rejuvenates the old plant, causing it to send out many new roots and growth shoots.
Why is it better to plant peonies in autumn?
In autumn there are no problems of dryness and overheating of the plants, typical of spring and early summer. Autumn planting allows peonies to take root normally and gain strength before the onset of winter. They have time to adapt to the new environment and prepare for strong growth in the coming year. In early autumn, the soil is warm and moist, so the cuttings take root quickly, having time to develop a root system and extract the necessary nutrients from the soil for successful wintering.
How to dig up an old peony bush
For the work you will need shears, a bayonet shovel, a wooden stake, a crowbar and a hammer. The stems of the bush need to be tied with a rope to form a bunch. The bush is dug around the circumference to a depth of 1-2 spade bayonets, depending on the size of the plant. Then you stick a shovel or crowbar under the rhizome and, using the handle as a lever, lift the bush.
Sometimes the peony reaches gigantic sizes and it is very difficult to remove the huge rhizome from the ground. To facilitate the work, it is better to divide such a rhizome in advance:
- Place the stake with the tip in the center of the bush.
- Beat with a hammer so that the stake enters the ground and reaches the rhizome.
- Give 1-2 strong blows with a hammer: the rhizome will split into two parts and can be extracted from the ground in two passes.
How to divide a peony
Dividing a peony bush is the process of cutting a large rhizome into several pieces, on each of which should remain growing shoots and roots. To work you will need a sharp knife with a straight blade; you can use a garden knife. For disinfection you will need charcoal or HOM powder fungicide.
Before dividing, the rhizome must be cleared of soil. It is most convenient to do this using water, directing a stream from a hose or lowering the peony into a barrel of water. Defective roots and growth shoots are clearly visible on the cleaned rhizome.
How to cut:
- Place the rhizome on a comfortable support to avoid working on the weight.
- Use a knife to cut off all diseased tissue: blackened, rotten and moldy areas.
- Cut the root mass into pieces so that 2 to 5 buds and several large roots remain on each section.
Cuttings for disinfection should be sprinkled with charcoal or fungicide. Delenki in these conditions can be planted.
Peony plantation
Before planting you need to choose a sunny place and soil free from stagnant moisture. Peonies prefer midday sun, but can grow in light partial shade. It is important to avoid low-lying, flooded areas in the spring or fall.
Garden beauties love fertile soil with good breathability. To improve the structure of the soil and ensure a sufficient amount of nutrients, it is recommended to add a bucket of compost or humus, a glass of superphosphate and half a glass of potassium fertilizer to each hole.
Delenki are planted in holes at least 50 cm wide and 50 cm deep. The most important thing is to correctly place the cutting in the planting hole: after filling, the highest bud should be at a depth of 5-7 cm, the hole is filled with earth mixed with fertilizers, watered abundantly and the bud is checked upper for the correct depth. If the soil has settled after watering and the shoot is deeper than recommended, planting will need to be repeated. Otherwise the peony will not bloom.
