If you’ve already got some stunning tree peonies in your garden and want more (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), you’ll be happy to know you can propagate them right at home! There are a few different ways to get the job done. I’ve broken down the most common methods below so you can expand your collection in no time.
Different Ways to Propagate
There isn’t just one way to grow new tree peonies. Depending on how much patience and experience you have, you can try:
- Growing from seed
- Division
- Cuttings
- Grafting
Growing Tree Peonies from Seed
I’ll be real with you: growing from seed is a test of patience. It’s a slow process, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You can either harvest seeds from your own plants once the pods ripen or buy them from a reputable supplier.
If you’re harvesting your own, you’ll need to “stratify” them (a fancy word for giving them a cold treatment) to help them germinate faster. Store-bought seeds are usually ready to go. You can plant them in starter pots or directly in the ground. Keep the soil nice and moist and… wait. And then wait some more! It can actually take a few years for those little seedlings to show up, so don’t give up on them too soon.
Propagating by Division
If you’re looking for a faster, more “instant gratification” route, division is the way to go. This works best for older, larger plants. Carefully dig up the entire root ball and use a sharp spade or a garden saw to split it into sections. Just make sure every piece has at least two or three buds (eyes) so it can grow back strong. Once you’ve got your sections, plant them in their new spots right away.
Propagating via Cuttings
Another great method is rooting cuttings. This is perfect to do while you’re already pruning your peonies. Take your cuttings and dip the ends in some rooting hormone to give them a head start. Stick them into a pot with good seed-starting mix and keep them in a bright, warm spot. Keep the soil damp, and if you see new growth and roots after a few weeks, you’ve successfully cloned your plant!
Grafting Tree Peonies
Finally, there’s grafting. This one is a bit more “Advanced Gardening 101” and usually takes a little practice to get right. It involves joining a piece of your tree peony onto the rootstock of another plant. There are several technical ways to do this, including:
- Budding (Okulation)
- Nurse-root grafting
- Chip budding
- Wedge grafting
- Side-veneer grafting
