this Is a weak plant (because I put it in a too shady spot). Nothing was above ground. I thought I knew where it was when I started digging with my spade, but I was wrong and I could recognize the snapped off pip on the shovel full of dirt I was about to turn over. I marked the rough location with a broken branch as soon as I saw the broken pip and stopped digging.

It's been a couple years since I've had REAL time to spend in the garden and if I can save It I'd like to.. it's my only red one and it has a history.

Paula, if it's not too cold you could put a spray nozzle on your garden hose and blast the dirt in the area where you think the peony is and uncover the complete crown. Then it will be easier to judge how far out around the crown to dig. Don't worry if you can't get every single root. Peonies are very tolerant.

Try to dig the new hole first so the roots don't have to be exposed very long as you are not moving while they are dormant.

Post pix if you can.

Good luck 🍀