This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Peonies can be dug up in the summer, but it’s generally not the ideal time for transplanting these beautiful flowers.
Summer digging up of peonies is possible if you take proper care, yet it requires extra attention because peonies are sensitive to disturbances during their active growing season.
Understanding when and how to dig up peonies in summer can save your plants from stress and ensure they thrive once replanted.
In this post, we’ll explore whether you can dig up peonies in the summer, the best practices for doing so, and tips for replanting to help your peonies flourish.
Why You Can Dig Up Peonies in Summer, But Should Be Careful
Yes, you can dig up peonies in the summer because peonies remain alive and active during this season, making it possible to relocate their roots.
However, digging up peonies in summer comes with challenges, since the plant is in its growing phase and disrupting its roots can cause shock.
Here’s why summer digging is doable but needs caution:
1. Peonies Store Energy in Their Roots Year-Round
Unlike many plants, peonies store energy in their tuberous roots and crowns all year long, not just during dormancy in winter.
This means you can dig up their roots in summer and still find viable, healthy roots to transplant.
Since the roots are underground storage organs, they don’t disappear or die back completely in the summer.
2. Active Growth Means Greater Stress Risk
While you can dig up peonies in summer, they’re actively growing, which makes them more vulnerable to transplant shock.
The stress from digging and moving roots during peak growing season can stunt growth or delay blooming in the following season.
Still, with the right technique, this stress can be minimized.
3. Risk of Wilting and Reduced Bloom
When peonies are disturbed in summer, especially if the roots dry out or get damaged, you might notice wilting leaves or fewer blossoms.
That’s why it’s crucial to keep roots moist and reduce the time they spend out of the ground if you must dig up peonies in summer.
4. Summer Digging Works Better in Cooler Climates
If you live in a cooler summer climate, digging up peonies in summer is often less risky than in hot, dry regions.
Cooler weather helps reduce heat stress on the plant when you transplant.
In hot weather, roots can dry out quickly, further damaging the peony.
When Is the Best Time to Dig Up Peonies?
While you can dig up peonies in the summer, the best time to dig up peonies is during their dormant season, typically in the fall or early spring.
Here’s why timing makes such a difference:
1. Fall Digging Allows Root Recovery Before Spring Growth
Fall is often the preferred time to dig up peonies since the plant is going dormant and won’t be actively trying to grow new shoots.
Moving the plant in the fall gives its roots time to settle and recover before it begins to grow vigorously in spring.
This means less transplant shock and better establishment for the next growing season.
2. Early Spring Digging Works Before Growth Starts
Another good time to dig up peonies is early spring before the shoots break through the soil.
At this stage, the plant is still dormant but about to grow, so transplanting can be done without interrupting active growth.
It’s easier to see the crown and roots at this time too.
3. Avoid Late Summer and Peak Fall When Peonies Are Actively Preparing for Bloom or Dormancy
Late summer digging is less ideal because the plant is in a tall-growing, active phase.
Also avoid digging too late into fall when the ground starts to freeze or plants are already stressed.
Choosing fall when leaves have just died back or early spring is usually safest.
4. Seasonal Conditions Affect Soil Workability
Fall often offers easier soil workability for digging since soil tends to be moist but not waterlogged.
Spring can sometimes present muddy conditions, so both seasons have pros and cons.
With summer, hard, dry soil often makes digging challenging.
How to Dig Up Peonies in Summer Without Hurting Them
If you find yourself needing to dig up peonies in the summer, perhaps due to garden redesign or emergencies, there are steps you can take to minimize damage.
1. Water the Peony Thoroughly Before Digging
Water your peonies deeply a day or two before you plan to dig them up.
Well-hydrated roots are more resilient to transplanting stress and less likely to dry out during the process.
2. Use Sharp Tools to Minimize Root Damage
Carefully dig around the crown with a sharp spade or garden fork to avoid tearing roots.
Start digging wide and deep enough to get the entire root ball.
Damaged roots will hinder the plant’s recovery.
3. Keep Roots Moist and Covered During Transplant
As soon as you lift the plant, wrap the roots with damp burlap or store them in a bucket of moist soil or water.
Try to minimize the time the roots spend exposed to air and sun.
4. Trim Excess Foliage to Reduce Water Loss
Cut back some of the foliage to reduce moisture loss while the roots are stressed.
Don’t remove all foliage, but trimming helps the plant focus its energy on root recovery.
5. Replant Immediately in Well-Prepared Soil
Plant your peony in a hole that’s well-drained, enriched with organic matter, and deep enough so the eyes (buds) sit just below the soil surface.
Firm the soil gently around roots to eliminate air pockets and water thoroughly.
6. Provide Shade and Water After Transplanting
Give transplanted peonies some shade during the hottest part of the day to protect them from sun stress.
Keep the soil evenly moist in the weeks after transplanting, but avoid waterlogging.
Additional Tips for Caring for Peonies Dug Up in Summer
Successfully digging up peonies in summer is just the first step.
Your aftercare determines if the plant bounces back strong.
1. Mulch to Retain Moisture and Regulate Soil Temperature
Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your transplanted peonies to keep the soil cool and moist.
Mulch also prevents weeds that compete for water and nutrients.
2. Avoid Fertilizing Immediately After Transplant
Hold off on heavy fertilization until you see new growth.
Young roots need to recover first.
Once the plant starts growing again, use a balanced fertilizer to support healthy development.
3. Monitor for Pests and Disease
Peonies weakened by transplant stress may be more vulnerable to pests like aphids or diseases like botrytis.
Inspect regularly and treat promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls if needed.
4. Be Patient for Blooming
Peonies dug up in summer might skip blooming the following year as they recover.
Be patient — this is normal and the plant usually bounces back the year after transplanting.
So, Can You Dig Up Peonies in the Summer?
You can dig up peonies in the summer, but it’s not the optimal time due to the risk of transplant shock during their active growth phase.
Peonies can handle summer digging if you take extra care: water well before digging, handle roots gently, keep them moist, and provide shade and consistent watering after replanting.
The best time to dig up peonies remains fall or early spring when the plant is dormant, but summer digging is a workable alternative if needed.
With proper technique and aftercare, your peonies can survive a summer transplant and continue to bring their spectacular blooms to your garden.
Happy gardening!