Splitting a peony

This is an herbaceous root ready for division.
You need to find a split that will give you at least 3 to 5 eyes. 
Once you have located a section with the required eyes use a sharp, clean knife and cut until seperated.

Here are two peony roots ready to be planted.

Make sure you have a hole at least 20" deep and across sufficient to accommodate the root and make sure soil is thoroughly broken up. Mix compost with soil and place your root in the hole with crown approx. 2" below surface. Firm soil around root being careful not to damage buds.