Peonies at 6600 ft - Ask Extension
Hi there,we live at 6600 feet in Basalt. I'd like to transplant some family heirloom peonies to our property from TN (the peonies were originally gr...
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Peonies at 6600 ft #668596
Asked July 25, 2020, 1:58 PM EDT
Hi there,
we live at 6600 feet in Basalt. I'd like to transplant some family heirloom peonies to our property from TN (the peonies were originally grown around Denver at the turn of the century as part of our family's peony farm). Do you have any guidance as to soil prep, site location, and general growing tips for our altitude? When is the best time to transplant? And any guidance on how to get the peonies back to Colorado safely??
thanks so much,
Ellie
we live at 6600 feet in Basalt. I'd like to transplant some family heirloom peonies to our property from TN (the peonies were originally grown around Denver at the turn of the century as part of our family's peony farm). Do you have any guidance as to soil prep, site location, and general growing tips for our altitude? When is the best time to transplant? And any guidance on how to get the peonies back to Colorado safely??
thanks so much,
Ellie
Pitkin County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
They should do great in Basalt, especially since they were originally grown around Denver. Peonies do very well here in Eagle and we are at the same elevation. It will most likely take them a couple years to bloom again after being transplanted so be patient with them. As far as site location, they do best in full sun but will still grow and bloom with a light shade. They like a loamy well-drained soil best but they will tolerate a fairly wide range of soils. Adding organic matter, like a plant based compost, to more sandy or clay soils will help. Their roots also like to have room so you want to make sure they have plenty of space. Also chose a location that will be permanent since they take a long time to bloom again after being transplanted. The most important thing to consider when planting is not to plant them too deep. The eyes should only be planted 1 inch deep. They should be transplanted in the fall (September is probably best here). When you go to dig them up, cut the stems off about 6 inches from the ground. I think I would put them in a bucket with some soil to transport them, you do not want the roots to dry out but you also do not want them water logged. I think this site does a good job of explaining how to divide and transplant peonies: https://extension.sdstate.edu/peonies. Thank you for using Ask an Expert!
They should do great in Basalt, especially since they were originally grown around Denver. Peonies do very well here in Eagle and we are at the same elevation. It will most likely take them a couple years to bloom again after being transplanted so be patient with them. As far as site location, they do best in full sun but will still grow and bloom with a light shade. They like a loamy well-drained soil best but they will tolerate a fairly wide range of soils. Adding organic matter, like a plant based compost, to more sandy or clay soils will help. Their roots also like to have room so you want to make sure they have plenty of space. Also chose a location that will be permanent since they take a long time to bloom again after being transplanted. The most important thing to consider when planting is not to plant them too deep. The eyes should only be planted 1 inch deep. They should be transplanted in the fall (September is probably best here). When you go to dig them up, cut the stems off about 6 inches from the ground. I think I would put them in a bucket with some soil to transport them, you do not want the roots to dry out but you also do not want them water logged. I think this site does a good job of explaining how to divide and transplant peonies: https://extension.sdstate.edu/peonies. Thank you for using Ask an Expert!
Hi Denyse,
thanks so much for your helpful response, I so appreciate this information!! You said that peonies will take some time to bloom after transplanting. Do you happen to know about how long?
thanks again!
Ellie
thanks so much for your helpful response, I so appreciate this information!! You said that peonies will take some time to bloom after transplanting. Do you happen to know about how long?
thanks again!
Ellie
Hi Ellie!
They will not bloom well the first or second year after transplanting (you might get a few but it will be pretty sparse), but by the third or fourth year they should be back to their full flower production.
They will not bloom well the first or second year after transplanting (you might get a few but it will be pretty sparse), but by the third or fourth year they should be back to their full flower production.
Thanks so much Denyse!!
