Old Peony plants Hello, - Ask Extension
I have many peonies where the original tubers are about ground and dead. They still produce stems and blossoms. Can I cut the dead parts off, do I d...
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Old Peony plants Hello, #927846
Asked April 08, 2026, 3:41 PM EDT
I have many peonies where the original tubers are about ground and dead. They still produce stems and blossoms. Can I cut the dead parts off, do I dig them up and replant them?
Thank you for your help
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Peonies can be dug, divided and transplanted but the best time to do this is in the fall.
To divide a mature peony, cut the stems down to near ground level, carefully dig up the plant leaving as much of the root system as possible, wash off the soil, and remove any rotted material. Locate the pink to white-colored buds or eyes at the top of the crown. Using a sharp knife, divide the crown into wedges, ensuring that each wedge has at least three to five buds and one to two large main roots to provide food for next year's new growth.
Dig a generous hole. Place the peony in the hole and cover the top buds or eyes with only one to two inches of soil. Do not plant the buds upside down. If planted too deeply, flowers will not emerge in the spring.
Following are a few links to University Extension sites with more info:
https://mbgna.umich.edu/peony-care-calendar#
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/peony/
To divide a mature peony, cut the stems down to near ground level, carefully dig up the plant leaving as much of the root system as possible, wash off the soil, and remove any rotted material. Locate the pink to white-colored buds or eyes at the top of the crown. Using a sharp knife, divide the crown into wedges, ensuring that each wedge has at least three to five buds and one to two large main roots to provide food for next year's new growth.
Dig a generous hole. Place the peony in the hole and cover the top buds or eyes with only one to two inches of soil. Do not plant the buds upside down. If planted too deeply, flowers will not emerge in the spring.
Following are a few links to University Extension sites with more info:
https://mbgna.umich.edu/peony-care-calendar#
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/peony/
