When I spotted tree peonies for $24 at a small local plant shop in 2014, I snapped up one of each variety they had (they had two). I planted both in the potager and they started growing, slowly (they are a shrub after all, not an herbaceous peony). After a few years, I noticed the ‘Kaoukamon Maroon’ was struggling, the soil where it was planted just wasn’t good enough. It also needed a bit more afternoon shade.
I didn’t quite know what to expect from a tree peony in my cold climate, so I wasn’t sure if it was the climate or the location that was causing this plant to struggle a bit. I had always heard that tree peonies were difficult to move, so that thought didn’t really cross my mind until 6 years later when it was still very small. It was struggling so much that I figured I had nothing to lose and I may end up gaining a gorgeous plant!
In its old location in the potager, this poor plant only produced one bloom each spring and it struggled to grow any taller than 18″ or so. Last spring I decided to move it up front under the old apple tree. This spot is much more sheltered and the soil is deep and rich. It’s also much shadier, although it has morning shade and afternoon sun (tree peonies like morning sun and afternoon shade). I don’t have a lot of shade in my garden, so this would have to be good enough.
I was a bit nervous about moving it, tree peonies are technically shrubs and they have large tap roots. I dug as deeply as I could in early spring before the leaves emerged. Last spring I cut off any buds that formed so the plant could put all its energy into developing a strong root system. I watered it well all summer and it rewarded me with a flush of blooms this spring (more than it’e ever produced before), I think 9-10 total. It is now thriving and loving the new location. I can’t wait to see what it looks like in a few more years!
I have another tree peony that may need moved as well, when we build out new house the potager will be oriented a bit differently. Hopefully that one will move with as much grace as this one did.
Do you have any tree peonies? Do you ever move plants around the garden? Any great tips?
4 thoughts on “Moving my Tree Peony ‘Kaoukamon Maroon’”
Susy, your decision to move the tree peony was the right one. I only have regular peonies. One in the front of the house and one in the back of the house. The one in front, I call the miracle peony. I call it that because one winter is froze deep and didn’t come up that year. The next was the same. The third year one little stem grew up and had one tiny bloom. Each year after that the plant just keeps getting bigger and stronger. So it’s really true about what they, who every they is, that if it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger. It proved true this year as we had a week of 20 below zero weather and the miracle peony is healthy as ever.
I hope and pray that you and Brian are healthy, well, and still adventurous as ever.
I’m glad to see you back! The tree peonies sound lovely!
I don’t have any tree peonies but have a lot of herbaceous varieties and have recently started investing in some intersectional peonies.
Most are planted in my vegetable garden where I have a large cut flower area, a few are in my flower border…
They have a short season but it’s such a glorious season ?
Your blog has sustained me during really difficult moments (really. difficult. times!) – I echo Nebraska Dave, and I hope for an update soon!