Should I Do Anything To My 70 Year Old Peonies?

Question

I have some peonies in my yard that are around 70 to 80 years old possibly older. I had been thinking about digging them up and spreading them out some and giving some to a neighbor. Is it safe to do that or should I just leave them alone? As far as I know of they have never had anything done to them except for watering and the occasional fertilizing

Answer 1

Peonies generally don't like to be disturbed, and as old as those are, I would be hesitant to start now. They don't need to be divided unless you want to increase your stock of if they are not blooming well. If you have several, you may want to dig up only one and divide it, and see how it does. It may take three years for it to bloom. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peony/dividing-peony-plants.htm

https://extension.psu.edu/the-beloved-peony