Hi,

I've been reading up here and elsewhere (Cricket Hill, APS, etc.) for tips but thought I'd seek advice from the experienced growers directly.

We had to move a big Tree Peony before a property is sold. Not the ideal time to move, I know, but the garden will be destroyed and replaced by sod soon.

We plan on putting this in the ground, eventually, but it might take a bit of time to get the spot prepared. GA red clay is not their natural preference by far!

As a stopgap measure, we have a 24" nursery pot & some Jungle Growth Flower & Vegetable Mix (soil-less peat/bark mix, NPK 0.1-0.06-0.06). I also have perlite or granite pea gravel that I can add for extra drainage. I have dolomitic lime as well, if needed.

If anyone has recommendations for potting and ratios of ingredients, I'd appreciate it. Anything else we should add to the mix?

Also, any tips for siting and preparing the eventual bed in GA red clay would be great. I'm thinking raised or partially-raised bed might be wise.

I've gardened for a long time, but this will be my first Tree Peony.

We are hoping to get it potted today.

Thanks so much!

It can be done, and it sounds like you are going to use enough amendments for proper drainage. I would not use potting mix with fertilizer in it. I use ProMix BX.

Make sure you put the newly potted plant in morning sun only and make sure it doesn't get too much water.

Going forward, a raised bed or on a slope would be best.

Good luck, and post some pictures here.

Thanks much, LG

Unfortunately, things aren't going well. I'm unwell and wasn't able to participate in the potting-up. My research was ignored and the poor peony was potted up in about 1/2 of the loam from where it was dug, 1/3 of only-partially-decomposed leaf mold, and 1/6 of gravel.

I really can't believe they put the only-partially-decomposed leaf mold in a container. That makes it impossible to maintain good drainage.

So, it's exactly what you DON'T want for potting a Tree Peony.
Needless to say, I'm pretty dismayed.

Try not to be discouraged. It is what it is. Just make sure the aftercare is good.

Are you able to get it into the ground soon? I read your post again and it sounded like you were rescuing it from another property and bringing it to your home.

If so, make the raised bed ASAP and get it in. Make sure you provide it with shade as it gets established.

I hope you feel better soon.