I am just waiting for Fall so I can rearrange a couple peonies. This is one of the best tutorials
I have seen. A lot of good tips.

http://www.solarisfarms.com/Pe...

Nate is awesome. He really knows his stuff. Passionate about peony culture and always willing to share his experiences. Very well written, thanks for linking it here.

I've been planting my Itohs too shallow! Thanks for the link, Jerry!

In going through the database I've noticed a number of varieties that have Dry checked off under Water Preferences. Many lactiflora include Mesic, Dry Mesic and Dry. Is this correct? I thought that some species (like P. tenuifolia) and a few crosses truly liked it dry.

Here are the choices and definitions.
Water Preferences
In Water
Wet (poorly drained, soil usually saturated, plants may be periodically inundated)
Wet Mesic (soil often saturated, but may be dry at certain times of the year)
Mesic (average moisture)
Dry Mesic (well drained, soil remains moist for a short period after precipitation)
Dry (excessively drained)

I think it is correct, Evan. I've found most peonies are low water plants after they're established. I would say Mesic to Dry Mesic. Here in CO I water mine infrequently unless it's excessively hot, then I water using drip lines when the foliage starts to wilt. Peonies are certainly not Wet Mesic or Wet at all. Even the woodland species peonies do well in dry shade rather than wet.

That's much appreciated information Liz. Thank You.

I've planted the Itohs too shallow also.
I did not know that they should be deeper.
Thank you for the article!

Do you have any that you'll have to replant, Caroline? I think I have at least 3 that I'll dig up, move and replant deeper.

I am lazy, so I was thinking:-- I would add a layer of soil and then mulch them.

Great idea. Less transplant shock that way too.

I had not thought of that , but that is true!
I could pretend that I was thinking of the plants!

Exactly! Usually transplanting due to growth insufficiencies is worth the set back, but if you can fix the problem that easy and it is not too deep of a depth problem, then I would definitely do it your way...and "think of the plants"..