A couple of pics of an otherwise healthy clump indicating what one of the members referred to as root strangulation. This clump is about 10 years old and has been gradually declining in stem production for about 3 or 4 years. Also, this was the one I had posted as having the twisted stems. It was planted in a corner of landscaping posts on a slight downhill grade from about 5 others. Too much water? Too much fertilizer? Too little space? That size and age should have had at least a dozen healthy eyes but I could only find 5 and they were in two little spots. It has nice blossoms so I will try to restart the 2 pieces in a better location.

Posting the info for others who may have some not doing well and may need relocating. In this instance, it was in full sun so that was not an issue.

Do you know what variety your peony is? I've seen post from other peony growers about very old (30 years plus) plants that are very healthy and blooming. I know I've seen others in my garden, though, that were in the ground 5 years or so and the middle started to die out, indicating that it needed to be divided. Maybe yours is just one of the varieties that need to be divided more often. If so, you might want to break it up into more than 2 pieces, even if some don't have visible eyes I've seen some varieties that will grow from pieces of root only. Maybe you'll end up with several healthy new plants!

This one was in a group of similar reds which I had bought from Lowe's or Walmart probably at least 10 years ago. I needed to separate them anyway so this was a good excuse to dig it. I have another red in the same area which looks like it needs to be moved. It may be a Karl Rosenfeld, or that was the name on the package. I have several fern leaf peonies to keep me occupied so if this one fails it will not be a great loss.

Glad to have another addition to the group. We need the interest and experience from new members to keep the information flowing.

Thanks! Glad to find a new (to me) peony forum to feed my addiction! I saw some of your other posts, have my first fernleafs coming this fall, your pics are beautiful! Makes me really glad that I ordered them. Have Officianalis Rosea Plena, Officianalis Rubra Plena, Paeonia Anomola, Merry Mayshine (hybrid), Early Scout (hybrid) and another double fernleaf coming. Any advice? Do they need to be treated any differently than any other herbaceous peony from bareroot? Any tips are much appreciated.....

I have two FL hybrids, Early Scout and Wind Chimes which I treat like any other herbaceous. The fern leafs really need sandy or well-drained soil and no extra water after they go dormant. Aside from that, there is not much to add which has not been discussed on the forum. 'Ticker' and 'AH' have a lot of expertise in all phases of peony cultivation and should make their appearances after this natural seasonal lull in activity.