I remember that late fall is the time to transplant peonies. Like now through October? Is this correct?

Now is a good time for zone 4.

correct

I try to transplant once it starts feeling like fall, when the overall temps are tending downward, rather than just by the month. I've planted in zone 4b CO before in Sept when the temps were still high and have had several sprout right away—probably not the best thing for the roots. Now that I'm planting in AL and still living in CO I ask for early Oct deliveries if possible. I'll be planting there the last 2 weeks of Oct!

Liz, the question is about transplanting not planting. I moved peonies even in summer after blooming, the peonies were fine after that.

Once I plant anything I never move any plants..
It's a stubborn reality in my case, unless the rabbits dig them up..then I'll replant in same place and spray the area with horticultural mint. And put planyskyyd pellets down. Just lazy … I'm not the worry wort I used to be, knowing plants better with experience .

Bea, I wish I could do the same, I am lazy too and peonies are so slow here to develop and transplanting does not help. I used almost all space for peonies in the garden and have to optimize the space. I also have to say our summers are generally cool and I transplant peonies when the weather is not hot.

anyagoro said: Bea, I wish I could do the same, I am lazy too and peonies are so slow here to develop and transplanting does not help. I used almost all space for peonies in the garden and have to optimize the space. I also have to say our summers are generally cool and I transplant peonies when the weather is not hot.

Anya you really do have the most beautiful peony garden. So many beautiful 🤩 flowers. I just have a few. I can't wait to see all your bloom next season.
They all just sing the whole season.

Thank you, Bea! I am waiting for the next season too!

anyagoro said: Liz, the question is about transplanting not planting. I moved peonies even in summer after blooming, the peonies were fine after that.

I've moved peonies at other times as well, digging the entire root mass with soil intact and put in a new spot. As long as the roots are relatively undisturbed I agree that they can be moved just about any time—maybe a bit of afternoon shade if they wilt but nothing else is typically required. I won't expose the roots or divide at any other time of the year though unless it's absolutely necessary, losing those little feeder roots when it's hot out stresses the plant too much. CO is a zone 4b but the summers are very hot and very dry, stressing to even established plants, and AL summers are just as hot, just wetter!

I have to move about 13 from my son's garden to mine. I had them shipped direct to him by a friend who works for Delta. The ground here is terrible (after the wonderful friable soil in Alaska). My rototiller struggles to scratch the surface (a mat of low growing weeds - creepers really). And need to amend with composted leaves (bought since mycompost pile is just started) and manure.