One issue not discussed is why a peony may have a great first year but a not-so-great second year. The manufacture of energy food is always for the following year. The roots you plant initially in the fall already have the energy for the following spring. I have read from different sources why this is the reason to limit a replanted peony to not more than 3 to 5 eyes. The plant, when dug, may have 20 eyes but the root system has been reduced by 2/3 and will not contain enough energy for the excessive eyes. One article says it can stunt the peony for 2 or 3 years until the roots can be regrown.
