Knowing how to propagate peonies is a useful skill to have if you want to be able to expand the size of your existing peony beds without buying tons of new plants. It’s also helpful if you want to share some of your favorite peony types with friends—or if you hope to propagate plants from one of their peony varieties for yourself. In this article you’ll learn three methods for propagating peonies; how to divide mature plants, how to take root cuttings, and how to grow them from seed. We also cover the best timing to ensure your success.
What are peonies?Contained within the genus Paeonia, most peonies hail from Europe and Asia. These old-fashioned beauties bloom in late spring, and many—but not all—peonies put out a heady fragrance. Also quite cold-tolerant, peonies are generally hardy from zone 3 to zone 8. Most herbaceous peonies are treated like a perennial shrub. They grow about three feet tall and three to four feet wide, they bloom early in the growing season, and their foliage dies back late in the year. Reaching four to six feet tall, tree peonies, on the other hand, grow on woody stems which persist year-round.
What is peony propagation?By carefully following some specific steps, you can take one healthy peony plant and multiply it. Depending on the original parent plant’s age and size, you may be able to create two, three, or more new peony plants from it. This is peony propagation. The new plants are then planted in a garden bed or installed in pots.
When to propagate peoniesGetting the timing right is essential if you want to learn how to propagate peonies without causing them harm. Whether you simply intend to move some of your plants or divide an older, large peony plant, the best time for these
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