I suggest that if you absolutely MUST move them, wait until as late as possible, dig them with as much soil and undisturbed roots as possible and replant them as soon as possible. 

        I know that lots of this is NOT possible during the hectic activity of a move so try to delay it. Be sure to prepare planting holes and fortify the soil before the peonies are dug so it will ease their move and replanting.

        Mostly good luck. Now's the time to place orders with nurseries for new peonies.

       Good luck on the move           Jim W.

Also, is there any special care that I need to be doing in general?  They are beautiful and I want to keep them looking great!

Thanks so much!
LB

        I think you have botrytis a very serious disease that can cause the problems you indicate. This fungus is encouraged if the weather has been especially cool and damp when stem are emerging. If you live in the northern states or Canada, plants seem to suffer more. 

        This condition can be treated by the classic spraying with Bordeaux mix just as the stems emerge and then a couple weeks later. Be sure plants have a lot of air flow around them and good drainage. This also reduces the damp conditions botrytis thrives in.

        If plants are old and crowded they may be even more prone to botrytis. 

        Check with your garden center for other treatments for botrytis. If the stems have finished coming up and spring has arrived where you are there isn't much more that can done this year. In fall clean up the peonies extra well. Remove all leaves and make sure the ground around the plants is clear. Throw away -do not compost- old peony leaves and stems.

        Of course if conditions described do not fit, please let me know more details. 
        Good luck.              Jim W.

        If you keep all the side buds you'll get smaller, but more flowers and over a longer period of time. 

        I never 'disbud' (as this is called).  So, like roses, depends on what you want.

        Just stop and smell them. 
        Best            Jim W.

Are they growing in full sun ?
Have they been fertilized?
Was there unusual weather during the last 3 months (heavy rain, cold snap, high winds, drought, etc.)?
When were they planted?
How do they compare to other peonies?
Are they planted at the right depth?

I also suggest you read Al Roger's book 'Peonies' available
at most public libraries.

                Good luck.              Jim W.

Many people cut the flowers for indoor enjoyment or 'let them flop'.

If the plants have been there more than 3 or 4 years they will not improve their floppiness.

So it depends on how much this bothers you. If you give them a handful of fertile (to each bush) now and again in August you may improve the stem strength next year.

Just enjoy the scent and the color.

Good luck. Jim W.

Because of an approaching strong storm, I had to cut some peony buds off before they had opened.  Now that the buds are in a vase.  How can I get them to open?

Also, I can't find my article that said after cutting peonies, put them in a bowl of water in the refrigerator for a while.  Do you know why the article said to do that?  Maybe to get rid of ants?

Thanks so much for your help.  I really appreciate it.  My peonies are from my husband's grandmother.  After 3 years from being transplanted, they finally bloomed this year!!

Thanks again,
Deb

You can store cut peonies in plastic bags in the vegetable area of a refrigerator. Recut stems and place in fresh water and you'll extend the bloom season.

Don't worry about the ants, they are just temporary and no long term problem.

Most peonies take a minimum of 3 years to recover fully from moving. The biggest error in moving old peonies is failing to divide the plants down to just a few new stems.

Sounds like you're doing a good job with these beauties.
Jim W.

Enjoy the wonderful smell of fresh peonies.    Jim W.

BUT if they must move and you get free plants, well....

First ,  make sure the plants you get (or help dig) are divided into small enough divisions. Big divisions will not do better than a division with 3 to 5 stems. That is enough and they'll recover and grow new roots faster.

Keep them out of the ground for a minimum amount of time.  This may mean digging holes ahead of time, mix in some compost and slow release fertilizer, a handful of bone meal etc. Keep the freshly dug plants damp and out of the sun. Plant in full sun and make sure they are replanted at the same depth they were growing and be especially careful not to plant too deeply. If they are too shallow
you can always throw some more dirt on them, but too deep is harder to alter.  After planting, water them well and make sure they are in a well drained site. Then I'd suggest a regular watering twice a week to keep them from drooping, but don't be surprised if they go dormant early. Fertilize again in August/Sept.
Don't expect bloom next year and hope they'll recover fully in 3 years. 

Check out Peonies by Allan Rogers, Timber Press for more info.

Good luck               Jim W.