[Flowertot]

I moved house earlier this year and was thrilled to find the garden contained a peony (the herbaceous kind) as I have tried to grow them before and failed miserably.  However it is under a big old apple tree next to a fence in fairly deep shade - and only produced one flower which didn't open fully.  I would like to move it to a sunny spot but am frightened to do so as I've heard they don't like being moved. Is this right? Part of me thinks I may as well give it a go as it isn't doing particularly well where it is. If so, what would be the best thing to do to give it the best chance? And when would be the best time to move it? Any tips very much appreciated.

[New shoot]

They can sulk if moved, but I've done it successfully before - same scenario - inherited one in my current house, but it was in shade and not doing well 

Fairly close to the soil surface, you will find big tuberous roots, so you could split the clump easily to make more, or leave some where they are as an insurance policy.  You could move it any time now, as it will be domant until spring growth starts, but make sure that you don't bury the tubers too deeply.  The main cause of people saying peonies don't like being moved, is that they replant too deeply 

[Dilly Dom]

I moved a peony from one part of the garden to another with good success.

If your peony is under an apple tree you may have problems digging it out due to the tree roots though but even if you can't dig the whole root out as long as you can get part of it you should be OK. 

 

[Flowertot]

Thanks very much for your tips. It's good to know that it can be done - I will give it a go 

[Kristen]

I've moved mine often, never had a problem with flowering.  I plant mine very shallow - tuberous root thingies almost showing on the surface. 

[Goosegirl]

I moved one years ago and it didn't mind at all. It's just the actual planting you need to get right.

[Flowertot]

Thanks all. Shallow planting it shall be!