Question
We are having some extensive work done around the foundation of our house and I will have to dig up my flower border of peonies and old fashioned day lilies and winter them over.  What is the best way to do this?  I will not be able to dig all of them as there are so many, so saving the best and then replanting in spring is my only option.  Someone suggested a straw bed, but here in north central Indiana we get some pretty heavy freezes that I'm afraid that wouldn't be enough protection.  I have an unheated barn and a garage.  
I'd appreciate your advice as these are really special plants that I don't want to lose.

Answer

Lady Alexandra Duff  

Lady Alexandra Duff   Greetings Zoe,

Some of my advice to you will relate to your zone, which I assume is like mine, perhaps 5a. I have dug up and overwintered peonies and roses in my unheated garage, so I know that you can definitely do this with success.

Part of the issue has to do with the maturity of your plants. Digging up daylilies and peonies can be a challenge. But if you are prepared to divide the plants, you can definitely put them in pots of good soil (I used lots of compost), and put them all the way to the rear of your unheated properties. I also covered them with old quilts from the thrift store.

So...

Dig up, dividing if necessary, the peonies and daylilies most precious to you. Get a good root section.

Put the plants in a pot that can accommodate their roots, and use good soil - but no fertilizer.

Put them in the back of whatever structure you have chosen - either should work well.

Cover them with old blankets or quilts. The darkness will help to keep them dormant, and the covering provides protection from severe temperatures.

Once a month, go check on them and give them two or three ounces of water. Just a bit to keep them from completely drying out.

Please see the pictures below. I dug up peony Lady Alexandra Duff, put her in a pot, overwintered her, and it worked!

Best wishes,

Donna