Best way to separate peony?

...And if I want part of my mother-in-law's full, well established plant, is a cutting possible? How? Please help!

Best way to separate peony?
Your going to have to dig up roots to start a new plant. If your mother-in-laws peony is large it won't hurt it at all. It helps to water the dirt around the plant so the digging will be easier. I separated a 20yr. old plant a few years ago and could have sworn those roots went to China! Dig deep and get a tuber with a couple of "eyes" (sprouts) the spring is a good time to transplant, the growth is short and it's easier to see where your digging.
Reply:yes clean a sharp knife with alcohol and cut the lower roots and bulbs in half and then dip in root starter and place in a hole water everday lightly for a week,,, growth hormone root stater is at K-Mart for 6.00 dollars
Reply:Take root cuttings from tuberous species in winter as seeds take years to germinate. If it is a tree peony take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Soil should be moist, free draining and fertilised.