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will still grow well and flower with partial shade. They prefer a well-drained soil but they will tolerate clay soils too. Peonies are available in the spring, usually as potted plants in garden centers or as bare root plants in the fall.
• "September to early October is considered the best time of year for planting and dividing existing plants. Keep in mind that if you are tackling an old, well established plant that the roots can be quite large, 2" to 4" in diameter and up to 12" long. You will need a heavy spade or shovel to dig one up, but be careful to not damage the roots. They may be large but tend to be quite brittle," he said.
• Graper encouraged gardeners when transplanting peonies to try taking out a section, like a piece of pie, from a large plant so that you will have less chance of causing major damage to the original plant.
• "Each division should have several buds or eyes, which will be quite evident in the fall of the year, usually found 1" to 2" below the soil surface. These buds should be positioned at about the same depth in their new location when planted. Cut off the stems about 6" above the soil line to make it easier to handle and to reduce water stress on the division after planting. New foliage will develop next spring from the

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