When To Plant Peony Bare Root

What’s required for peony plants to prosper? These perennials require little maintenance.

They can survive a lifetime and thrive in USDA zones 2 to 8.
A must-have is well-drained soil.
A full day of sunshine is ideal, but a half-day is also acceptable. A prolonged bloom season may benefit from some shade.
The best time to grow peonies is in the fall, when you can plant them bare root.
Just an inch or two of earth is placed over the eyes before roots are planted (buds).
Peonies in pots can be moved in the spring or fall.
Early in the spring, fertilize.
After bloom, deadhead the wasted blooms.

In the first two years following planting, peonies develop a strong root system. The first year, they frequently bloom. The size of the plant and blossom both increase the next year. They mature and start to produce a profusion of flowers by their third spring. You may never need to divide your peonies because you can frequently enjoy your peony plants in the same location for decades (unless you want additional plants to grow or share).

In the fall, plant peonies from bare roots. When planted between late August and early November, they will grow more feeder roots more quickly. We have planted in various months of the year (bare root or from pots). I’ve tried planting some in December and January, but they won’t develop much root growth in the first few months. Instead, they will lay in the ground, waiting for the ideal moment to grow. If the chance presents itself, I take chances when planting. I don’t believe I’ve lost any plants because of the time of year I planted them; perhaps slower root development the first year. Sometimes planting a root during the “wrong time of year” is preferable to caring for it in a container. In my experience, peony plants with adequate roots grow and enlarge in the third year, regardless of when they were planted.

Peony plants in pots (containers) can be moved in the spring or the fall. Additionally, bare root peonies can be potted up in the fall or early winter and planted in the spring. Store potted peonies slightly moist in a garage or shed when temperatures fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time to protect them from severe freezing/thawing/freezing.

Peonies adore the sun, and for the optimum growth and bloom, they need at least a half day of it (full sun is ideal). A little bit of shadow is acceptable and can help your peonies bloom with more vibrant color; just make sure they get at least a half day of direct sunlight. (Too much shade will result in little to no peony flower and foliage).
The optimum place for peony plants to flourish is in the ground, although some gardeners are growing one or two in sizable patio pots. Use an appropriate sized container of 10 gallons or bigger for optimal results, as the roots of a peony grow very large. Be sure it has proper drainage and remember to water more frequently than a ground planted peony. Large raised beds are also a good choice for peonies.
Peonies can grow in a variety of soil conditions and prefer well-drained clay soil. You may modify your soil; yet, often, there is absolutely no need to do so. Our farm’s clay soil is well-drained and supports the growth of our peonies. You can adjust your soil if you’d like to increase the organic matter and nutrients.
Dig a hole that is roughly 15 by 15 inches for the planting site, then fill it with the spaded soil. In order for the root to sit just below or at ground level, only the necessary amount of dirt should be removed.
With the “eyes” (buds) facing upward, place the peony root at any angle and downward. One to two inches of soil are deposited on top of the “eyes” of the roots, which are positioned close to the surface of the ground (buds). Take care to not sow peony roots too deeply. Imagine doing this by placing your bare-root peony “just below ground level” or at ground level with just a few inches of soil mounding over the root.
Gardeners claim success with planting the peony root near ground level with just a touch of soil (about one half inch) over the eyes in warmer climates (The South, California), where peonies can be grown.
Itoh Intersectional peonies have very enormous roots, and some of their “eyes” are located on a woody stem. To completely enclose the eyes, you might position these peony roots at an angle. Compared to other herbaceous peonies, itoh peonies can be planted a little bit deeper.
Immediately after planting your peony root, water it. Make sure to keep giving fresh peony plants water every week or so until the Fall rains take over.
Check the peony root carefully; if it has sunk too far, pick it up and add more dirt beneath it. For optimal results, make sure the soil is only one to two inches deep. Peonies that are planted too deeply may only produce foliage and no flowers.
When you plant bare root peonies in the fall, they will develop new feeder roots. The roots buried in the ground won’t be harmed by the winter’s frigid temperatures (garden). Peonies enjoy chilly winters.
A very large container with good drainage is necessary when planting peony in pots or containers. Make sure that the soil is only one to two inches thick around the eyes. Water the potted peonies and keep them moist, but allow a period of near-dryness between waterings. Protect potted peony from freezing temperatures in the winter. Roots of planted or potted peony plants are not harmed by frost; however, potted peonies may be affected by persistent arctic blasts or deep freezing.
Water your new peony plants thoroughly upon planting or transplanting. Deeply water a peony, then wait a few days before watering it again. During dry conditions, watering first-year peony roots/plants every two weeks should be sufficient. The roots’ establishment will be aided by the wetness.
You might not need to water your peony again until you experience dry weather in the spring or summer until the autumn and winter rains start.
Peony plants are quite drought tolerant after they are a few years old, though they do benefit from a good watering every few weeks during the hot summers. Peonies do not require frequent watering after they are established.
Early in the spring, we apply 1/4 cup of fertilizer (10-20-20) to the drip line of our mature peonies. Following blooming, you can fertilize your peony plants. While some gardeners fertilize their peonies yearly, many do not. For the best outcomes with your soil, you might wish to experiment.
Use a slow release fertilizer when fertilizing potted peonies because other fertilizers will burn the leaves. In the early spring, right before plants bloom, we fertilize.
After flowering, remove flower/seed pods. You can cut the stems of your peonies to any shape you like.
Leave seed pods on the stems until they burst open in the late summer if you wish to allow them to mature. The seed can be sown right away in the ground or on potting flats and kept moist until the arrival of the fall rains. Some seeds will grow the following spring, while others will do so the following year.
In the late fall, trim peony stems all the way to the ground. To keep the garden clean, remove the stems and leaves. Peony stems and leaves should not be composted.
Northwest regions don’t need to be mulched. Mulch is sometimes used by gardeners in regions with particularly harsh winters; however, if you do this, make sure to remove the mulch in the spring; otherwise, your peony will be “planted” too deeply.

Check for the following signs if your peony start to lose their vitality over time:

The root may have been buried too deeply as a result of seasonal additions of mulch or bark dust (without springtime clearance). In our northwest environment, peonies don’t require protection because they enjoy the chilly winters.
Trees and plants in the landscape may offer an abundance of shade.
It’s possible that tree roots grew through the peony roots, crowding them.
too much nitrogen
They might also have lost their vigor, like some individuals, and require reviving. By digging up, dividing, and replanting a division with three to five eyes in a different location that gets good sun and drainage, you can revitalize your peony. They’ll recover quickly.

The winners of Gold Medal and Award of Landscape Merit peonies from the American Peony Society (APS) are featured on our peony descriptions. The American Peony Society has accorded commendable distinction to the flowers and/or growth environment of these peony.

Peonies that have earned the Award of Landscape Merit (ALM) demonstrate exceptional decorative value, overall landscape look throughout the growing season, and dependable performance across North America. The APS will assess numerous other peony types deserving of the title in the years to come. The ALM award is still in its infancy.

Court of Honor for the peony “Ave Maria” at the 2013 APS floral exhibit; Court of Honor for the peony “Coral Supreme” at the 2012 APS floral exhibit; and we were honored to receive Best in Show – Grand Champion awards for the peony “Bob” at the 2011 APS floral exhibit are just a few of our Brooks Gardens’ award-winning peonies. In 2018, “Lavon” won Grand Champion, and “Raspberry Charm” won Court of Honor.

When should a peony root be planted?

Open the box as soon as you get your Third Branch Flower peony roots to look at them. Please contact us with any issues within 48 hours!

As soon as you receive your peony, we strongly advise planting them. If you haven’t already, chose and get ready for your planting area while you keep them for a short period in a refrigerator or cooler.

Although peonies are not picky, you should pick your place carefully because they hate being moved. They should be three to four feet apart to allow for proper airflow.

Peonies should be grown in a sunny, wind-free area. Pick a location with soil that is neutral in pH, deep, fertile, and humus-rich.

Plant peony in the fall; in the majority of the nation, this is in late September and October, though it might be later in the South. (Divide or transfer an established plant if necessary; do so in the fall.) Peonies sown in the spring often take longer to mature than those sown in the fall by roughly a year.

Create a huge hole that is two feet broad and two feet deep. Add compost to the soil if it is sandy or heavy. Add about a cup of bonemeal to the ground. Firmly tamp it down.

Make sure the eyes and crown of the root are 2 inches below the soil surface and position it so the eyes face upward on top of the firmed soil. Choose early-blooming species, plant them about an inch deep, and provide some shade in southern states. If you plant your peony too deeply, it won’t blossom once it’s established. The eyes (buds) of the peony should be no more than 1-1/2 to 2 inches below the soil surface in the majority of the nation.

Backfill the hole once more, being careful to ensure that the root is not buried more than 2 inches deep.

Care

It takes time for young peony to blossom into their magnificent personalities! Establishment, blooming, and growth could take a few years. To ensure that there is enough root to support first-year flowering, we ship large, 3-5 eye divisions. Peonies benefit from gentle neglect. They don’t require digging and dividing every few years like other perennials do, unless you wish to propagate a specific kind.

Early July, after the peonies have blossomed, is the best time to apply fertilizer (bonemeal, compost, or well-rotted manure) if your soil is deficient. Have your soil tested annually and limit your fertilizing to every few years.

Some peony kinds’ stems aren’t always sturdy enough to hold their enormous flowers. Consider using rope to stake large, heavy bouquets or investing in metal supports.

You can “deadhead” if you don’t like how faded blossoms appear. Peony blossoms should be removed as soon as they start to fade, cutting to a sturdy leaf to prevent the stem from sticking out of the foliage.

To prevent diseases from overwintering, cut the foliage to the ground in the fall and remove it from your garden or field.

Avoid covering peonies with mulch. In areas with extreme cold, you can mulch VERY lightly with straw, wood chips, or shredded bark the first winter after planting.

Peonies make excellent cut flowers and keep their beauty for more than a week in a vase. Cut the stems when the buds resemble a firm marshmallow for optimal results.

Can you plant bare root peonies in the spring?

Peonies are enduring garden favorites that are well-known for their lavish, early-summer blossoms. They are dependable plants that bloom for generations with little care and have an extraordinarily long lifespan. Peonies are unmatched as cut flowers. They are beautiful in their natural beauty and have a soft, enduring perfume, whether they are grown alone or in mixed bouquets.

Start with a Better Bulb

It’s simple to discern quality differences between two peony plants when you compare them side by side. Grade #1 peony, as displayed at far left, are provided by Longfield Gardens. Right on this page is a peony of grade #2. The larger root requires less time to mature into a robust plant that bears several blossoms.

Plan for Success

Peonies are low maintenance and incredibly simple to grow. Here are some pointers to assist you achieve the greatest outcomes.

Peonies thrive in the sun and perform at their best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is preferable to put your peonies in the most sunny area possible because the more sun they receive, the better their blooms will be.

Zones 3–8 are suitable for peonies’ winter hardiness. Cold winter climates are excellent for their growth and flowering. Zones 8 may be difficult for them, while zones 9 and warmer are not advised for them. Check your hardiness zone now. The USDA Hardiness zone map can be found here.

Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil is ideal for growing most plants, including peony. By incorporating compost and an all-purpose fertilizer during planting time, you can enhance the condition of your soil. Planting should not be done on wet or compacted soil.

When to Plant: Spring or fall are both suitable times to plant bareroot peonies. The plants can withstand frost, so you can plant them two to three weeks before the last day of frost. You can plant potted peonies at any time of the growing season.

How to Plant Peonies

Make a 12-by-12-inch hole. Compost and general-purpose granular fertilizer should be added after loosening the soil at the bottom of the hole (follow package directions).

Place the peony root in the hole with the eyes (the growth points) no lower than one inch below the surface of the soil. Peonies that are planted too deeply may continue to grow but not blossom. Add soil over the root and water as necessary.

Planting Tips for Peonies

Peonies need full sun in order to produce a profusion of blossoms. Even though certain types may withstand moderate shadow, fewer flowers bloom in general when there is less light.

Peonies should be planted in soil that is fertile, well-drained, and has a pH range of neutral to slightly alkaline. They will eventually grow a substantial root system and become challenging to relocate. Spend some time placing your peonies in a location where they can flourish for many years. The plants are reasonably drought resistant once they are established.

Where to Plant Peonies

Continual Gardens Perennial gardens work well with peonies. Their year-round gorgeous dark green leaves. Peony leaves occasionally turn crimson or gold in the fall.

Fence lines and hedges To create a low hedge for enclosing a space, defining one side of a garden, or edging a walkway, peonies can be planted in a row. They also look fantastic when planted at the bottom of a chain link or split rail fence. As a sturdy fence will restrict airflow around the plants and increase their susceptibility to foliar diseases, avoid growing them next to one.

Plantings for the foundation and shrub borders The presence of a peony is comparable to that of a tiny shrub. Peonies may grow practically anyplace in your landscape as long as they are planted in well-drained soil, receive enough light, and have sufficient air circulation.

What to Expect from Peonies

All peonies bloom in the first few weeks of summer, however each cultivar blooms at a different period. The peony season can be prolonged by a month or more if you plant a mixture of early, mid, and late season bloomers. Other early summer perennials like iris, alliums, and roses pair well with peonies. The greenery keeps borders looking full and gives other flowers a lush background.

Most peony mature at least three feet tall and three feet wide, depending on the type. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them freedom to expand. Peonies will maintain their flowers straight if a support cage is placed all around them. Use a pre-made peony support or create your own from steel or mesh reinforcing wire or wood slats. Early in the spring, before the plants reach a height of 12 inches, supports should be installed.

Carefree peony plants that hardly ever experience insect or disease problems. A young peony plant needs two to three years to become established, but once it does, it will reliably blossom each year.

Fantastic cut flowers are peonies. The majority of cultivars are also incredibly fragrant, and they remain for days in a vase. When the buds are in the “marshmellow” stage, peony stems can be removed and kept in water in the refrigerator for a few weeks. After many days, the buds on the stems brought into room temperature will begin to open.

Caring for Peonies are they Bloom

Use scissors to cut off the wasted flower heads and the top six to eight stems once the blossoms have faded “that stem. This will prevent the plants from forming seed heads and keep the plants looking tidy. The plants will be able to produce the energy they require for the blossoms of the following year if as little foliage as possible is removed.

When the leaves start to turn yellow in the fall, trim all the stems to within an inch or two of the ground.

When the stems are about 6 inches long in the spring, fertilize peonies “tall. Around the base of each plant, dispense roughly a half cup of all-purpose granular fertilizer. To avoid having the eyes buried too deeply, remove any mulch or other debris from the plant’s crown.

How to Divide a Peony

Peonies can stay undisturbed for several years in the same location. If the plants must be moved, do so in the fall when they are beginning to enter dormancy rather than in the spring when they are just starting to grow again. Trim the leaves, which may be up to three feet wide, then carefully remove the entire root ball. Dig carefully, avoiding uprooting any roots, and dig deeply. Replant right away, and give it lots of water.

Plant division can be done in the fall or very early in the spring. One method is to remove the entire root ball as previously said, then place the clump on a tarp. After cutting the clump into sections with a sharp knife, quickly replant each section. Work swiftly and gently, causing the fewest potential injuries to the fleshy roots.

The alternative is to cut one or more portions of root from the mother plant using a sharp spade. Once more, plant these divisions again right away, and during the first growth season, irrigate as necessary. Though you may often anticipate losing at least one season of blossoms, plants will recover more quickly the less the roots are touched.

Peony Pests and Diseases

Pests and illnesses rarely affect peonies. Buds can occasionally become black and shrivel as if they have been scorched by a fungus called botrytis. Young shoots and entire stems may turn black as a result of the disease. Wet weather worsens infection, as it does with all fungus-related illnesses. Take away and discard any tissues that are harmed. The greatest method of management is prevention; discard wasted blooms as soon as you can, abstain from overhead irrigation, and avoid crowding plants to promote good air circulation.

Peony buds are coated in a slightly sweet, sticky material just before they blossom. This will frequently draw ants, who enjoy the tasty treat. The ants are not necessary for peonies, yet they do not harm them in any way. It benefits both parties. Simply shake the flowers or submerge them in cool water if you plan to cut them and don’t want to attract ants into your house.