This article provides information on planting, growing, and caring for peonies. It explains different types of peony flowers, their ideal growing conditions, planting tips, and recommended varieties. The article emphasizes the importance of planting roots just 2 inches below the soil surface, as deep planting may not produce many blooms. Peony plants need well-draining, neutral soil away from competing tree roots.
Herbaceous and Itoh Peonies are generally shorter plants, growing to around 1-4 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Woody tree Peonies are much larger and grow to 24″ to 36″ in diameter. Peonies can grow in zones 2-8, with light from full sun to part shade. They typically bloom in spring and have dimensions between 3-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide.
Tree peonies have a semi-spreading growth habit, growing up to 80-90cm tall and 60-80cm wide. They bloom just before regular peonies and have fragrant flowers. Peonies can grow up to 2-3 feet tall with single, semi-double, and double petals. Herbaceous types usually grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Tree peonies are more like small shrubs, with some topping out.
Tree peonies can grow 3 to 7 feet tall, while herbaceous varieties grow 2 to 4 feet, intersectionals 2 to 2.5 feet, and the woodland variety grows 2 to 3 feet tall. Proper planting depth is crucial for peony growth and care.
📹 Peony Growing Guide!!! How to Plant, Grow, Harvest, Divide, & Transplant Peonies
Peonies will grow and flower abundantly for decades when planted correctly. The bare roots should be planted in the fall or early …
Will peonies bloom more than once?
Peonies can bloom for over 100 years, with each individual bloom lasting 7-10 days. To extend their blooming season, plant varieties that flower at different times within a 6-week period. These types are labeled as early, early-mid, mid, and late season. Early-season Peonies, which are the first to bloom, offer a variety of colors, forms, and fragrances. They are ideal for mild winter climates or areas with early summer heat, as they bloom before intense heat allows the plants to fully flower.
Early mid-season Peonies, which arrive between the first and mid-season Peonies, offer a wide variety of vibrant colors, fascinating flower forms, and incredible fragrance. By planting these varieties, you can extend the blooming season of Peonies and enjoy their unique beauty and fragrance.
How much space does a peony plant need?
Peonies require space of at least 4 feet between plants, as they grow slowly and can grow up to 5 feet wide. Proper airflow helps prevent disease. Peonies need full sun in the South, as shade can result in leggy plants. In hotter areas, partial shade can be provided. Tree peonies can tolerate partial shade. If you want the look of well-established peonies without waiting 10 years, mature plants can be purchased from sites like Terra Ceia Farms. These plants have been raised for the first 10 years, providing a more established look without the need for a long wait.
Should you cut peonies after they bloom?
After flowering, Peonies can be cut back to remove old flower heads and maintain their appearance. This applies to both herbaceous and Tree Peony plants. Regular deadheading can help keep plants blooming longer and maintain their green backbone in the perennial or shrub border. However, growers have yet to create a reblooming variety for Peonies, so it’s essential to continue snipping branch tips and removing old flower heads to maintain their blooming period.
Do peonies need full sun?
Peonies thrive in full sun, with some afternoon shade for those in zone 8. They prefer fertile, rich, well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients. If poor soil exists, consider growing them in a raised bed for maximum drainage. Space peonies 3-4 feet apart for good air circulation. The Abalone Pearl peony is a stunning semi-double variety with pink-peach petals and orange anthers. To plant peonies, plant them in the fall when they are dormant, 4-6 weeks before a deep freeze.
How long does it take for peonies to get big?
Peonies are carefree plants that thrive in a variety of environments and are rarely affected by pests or disease. They take two to three years to establish and bloom reliably. Peony stems can be cut in bud and stored for later use, wrapped in paper and refrigerated. When ready to display, remove the spent flower heads and top 6 to 8″ of stem to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed production.
In fall, wait until the foliage is yellow and cut back all stems to within an inch or two of the ground. This helps the plants produce energy for next year’s flowers. Peonies are also great cut flowers, lasting for days in a vase and are fragrant.
Do peonies only bloom once?
Peonies can bloom for over 100 years, with each individual bloom lasting 7-10 days. To extend their blooming season, plant varieties that flower at different times within a 6-week period. These types are labeled as early, early-mid, mid, and late season. Early-season Peonies, which are the first to bloom, offer a variety of colors, forms, and fragrances. They are ideal for mild winter climates or areas with early summer heat, as they bloom before intense heat allows the plants to fully flower.
Early mid-season Peonies, which arrive between the first and mid-season Peonies, offer a wide variety of vibrant colors, fascinating flower forms, and incredible fragrance. By planting these varieties, you can extend the blooming season of Peonies and enjoy their unique beauty and fragrance.
How many times will peonies bloom?
Peonies, which bloom once in spring, can be extended by growing varieties with different bloom times. There are early, mid-, and late-flowering peony varieties that can provide up to 6 weeks of color, depending on the weather. Early bloomers come into flower about a month before mid-season bloomers, which can range from late April in southern gardens to early June in northern gardens. Late bloomers take over just as the mid-season bloomers finish.
To enjoy the fragrant blooms, cut flower tips and place them in a bucket of water. Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cool and flowers are freshest. Once indoors, cut the stem back to fit the vase and remove any foliage that would sit below the water to prevent rotting and shorten the bouquet’s life. Peony blooms can also be saved for later enjoyment.
Do peonies grow better in pots or ground?
Peonies thrive in a variety of soil types, including well-drained clay soil. To ensure optimal growth and bloom, it is essential to provide at least a half day of sun and good drainage. Some gardeners are planting peonies in large patio pots or raised beds, but it is crucial to ensure adequate drainage and watering more frequently than ground planted peonies.
To prepare the planting site, dig a hole about 15 x 15 inches and fill it with spaded soil. Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the ‘eyes’ facing upward. Plant the roots near the surface of the ground with just one inch to two inches of soil on top of the ‘eyes’. Avoid planting the peony roots too deeply, as this can result in foliage growth without flowers.
Newly planted bare root peonies will establish feeder roots when planted in the Fall, and winter freezing temperatures will not affect roots planted in the ground. Potted peonies require a large container with adequate drainage, and the eyes should be covered with only one inch to two inches of soil. Water the potted peonies thoroughly upon planting or transplanting, watering them every couple of weeks during dry weather. Once the fall/winter rains arrive, you may not need to water your peonies until you have dry weather in the spring/summer.
Once a peony plant is several years old, it is fairly drought tolerant, but they do appreciate a good watering every few weeks in hot summers. An established peony plant does not need frequent watering. Fertilize your peony plants early in the spring using a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage. If you are fertilizing potted peonies, use a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage.
Deadhead flower/seed pods after bloom and trim your peony stems to shape the bush as desired. If you want to let seed pods mature, leave them on the stems until they crack open in late summer. Plant the seeds in the ground or potting flats and keep moist until the fall rains come. Some seeds will germinate the following spring, while others will sprout the second spring.
Cut peony stems to ground level in the late fall and remove the stems and leaves from the garden for good sanitation. Do not compost peony leaves and stems. Mulching is not required in the Northwest, but some gardeners in very cold winter climates mulch for the winter, but be sure to remove the mulch in the spring to avoid planting too deeply.
Do peonies multiply on their own?
Dig around the peony plant using a sharp spade, ensuring not to damage the roots. Rinse the roots with a hose to remove any dirt and identify the crown buds. Leave the roots in the shade to soften them and make cutting easier.
Cut the roots back to about 6 inches (15 cm.) from the crown, as the crown grows into the peony. Each piece should have at least one visible crown bud.
Continue dividing peonies until you have as many as possible from the original roots. Plant the pieces in a suitable location, ensuring the buds are not more than 2 inches (5 cm.) under the soil. Store the pieces in peat moss until ready to plant on a warmer day, but don’t store them too long to prevent drying out and preventing growth.
By following these steps, you can propagate peony plants quickly and create many plants in no time. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.
How do you keep peonies blooming all summer?
The item is now prepared for refrigeration and has been wrapped in Saran Wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain its quality, in accordance with the instructions provided.
Do peonies bloom more if you cut them?
It is recommended that the faded main bloom be removed in order to allow the smaller side blooms to receive root energy and bloom more rapidly, thereby ensuring a longer flowering period. This practice prevents the onset of disease, maintains overall plant health, and ensures an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The procedure does not necessitate the use of sophisticated equipment; only basic items such as protective gloves, sharp scissors or pruners, and a receptacle for yard waste are required. It is inadvisable to delay this process until the task is complete.
📹 Planting Peonies (Plants & Tubers) in My Garden! 🌿🌸// Garden Answer
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Hi Laura ! I’ve been gardening for 52 years. I love your articles your family and how you so generously share all that you do. I am always amazed at your knowledge and your passion for the same things I’ve loved all my life. It’s getting more and more difficult to get down to care for my gardens but perusal you in your beautiful youth get right into it, every morning I’m refreshed to get back out there again. I’m passionate about perusal your articles and I really hope you continue to create them so I can vicariously enjoy you and your gardens in my declining years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have brought me so many hours of pure joy I’m very grateful.
🌸 🌿These are really tough and hardy plants. My Mom has a peony that she started from her Grandmother’s peony. Mom planted hers in the ‘80s. The original peony is close to if not over 100 years old now and still blooming. Amazing “old-timey” plants. Here in Tennessee, you can see these blooming in fields that were next to homesteads that are long gone. 🌸🌿
Thanks Laura, this is a great refresher article, it’s been quite some time since I last planted peonies and I got 5 of them yesterday (all different) for Mother’s Day! I’ll head outside to start planting as soon as I comb my hair and apply a little makeup (don’t want to scare the neighbors). I love all your articles!
Like many of your viewers, I love peonies as well. I have a long row of them, mixed colors, along my driveway and across the front of the yard. They are so gorgeous when they are in bloom! I salvaged some of the tubers when an old house was being torn down and some others a friend was removing from her old house yard. They were very old when I got them and I have had them for over 20 years and moved them 3 times as I have moved houses. If I have to go, they’re coming with me! I have the grid type supports I got at the dollar store probably 10 years ago.
I’ve used the stake rings. But what I find works great is just green twine. When the plant starts to grow I tie a piece of twine around the plant to support the plant. Then as it grows I add one more closer to the flower heads. It supports the flower heads and doesn’t show. After the flowers are spent I cut it off. I’ve never had them fall even in storms.
We used to have a Peony plant at our old house. When we sold it and moved here it got transplanted. It grew wonderfully for 25 years. This spring I had to have the area where they grew dug up…we had roots from other bushes in our weeping tiles…which caused a ground water flood in our basement. I forgot to dig up some of the tubers. I guess they were distroyed in the process. My Hosta survived. I’d like to get another Peony plant for the front garden this fall. Thanks for the information about them. Your garden looks beautiful. 👏
Thanks for the tips. I have a 25ft oval of pink, deep pink, white and 2 purple Peonies. It is packed when in bloom and the smell is fantastic. I don’t have hoops but with so many in the oval I don’t have as much of a problem with heads falling over. Just some around the outside edge especially during a heavy rain. Funny though I do have a blue Rose of Sharron bush in the center of it all.
Your timing is perfect! I just bought two potted peonies, Sara Berhardt and Edulis Superba. And I was wondering how or if I should amend the soil. I also still have a bare root Green Lotus peony that I bought back in March and it’s still sitting in my refrigerator drawer! I was afraid I had ruined it, but I’m going to be planting it…just as soon as it stops raining here. There is nothing like a beautiful bouquet of peonies from one’s garden, love them.
Love, love, love peonies. I also love that support system you showed, I will look for it because we end up using individual stakes for our flowers. I also learned something about the airflow, because each year I cut back the foliage really really early because it always looks burnt and mildewy, despite incredible health of everything else around them. Thanks for your teachings.
I love your website, I get so many ideas from them. Seeing the plant and bulb varieties in a landscape has really upped my game for choosing plants for my garden. I too live in the high desert, Denver can be a bit of a challenge. Hot and dry with brutal hot sun in the summer, loads of snow and cold dry winters, I have killed so many plants. Hearing your experience has helped so much. Thank you from the roots of my gardening heart.
I have been following you Laura in various articles. Must say I’ve learned so much from you. I have seven peony bushes and they are doing well. Have been bringing lots inside to make my floral arrangements to enjoy. Will be splitting some of them so that I have more in my garden. I am from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Happy summer!
Peonies are my all-time favorite flower in the landscape. I have just ten, but am always on the lookout for more. I love that you can get early, mid and late bloomers to extend the season. That coral one you planted looks very similar to my favorite, ‘Paula Faye.” And I saw what you did, Laura. I sprinkle my garden with plants named for loved ones to remember them when I wander about it. I once heard from a landscape designer she always places peonies in her designs because even after the blooms are finished they made a nice shrub or hedge.
This is a very helpful article! We just purchased three new peony plants, so it is timely, as well. I am pleased to learn about the grids. I “inherited” peonies when we moved to this colder climate (in our prior, warmer climate I grew gorgeous roses), so I did not know how to stake them. I knew nothing about peonies, but soon discovered that they are hardy and bloom like crazy, but in contrast to roses, they only bloom once. Hence, we decided to grow more to make up for that. 🙂 You make the process of planting peonies look very doable. Thank you!
I love Peonies! I moved a large blush pink double this Spring that had been in it’s spot in the ground for 13 years because it was getting crowded and it didn’t skip a beat! I’m so relieved! I was reluctant to throw away all of the tuber pieces that broke off in the effort but I wasn’t sure if they would grow. Will they form eyes and be able to be planted?
Oh dear, I was hoping you would talk about the powdery mildew issue and what to do. The last two seasons, my peonies seem to get powdery mildew just as they start to bloom or shortly thereafter and the bushes look horrible. The first summer this happened, my local garden center recommended Neem Oil but I did not see any good results from using. Last summer I cut them back to the ground after blooming, discarded the leaves in the garbage (not compost bin), and hoped they would come back. No other plants near them suffered from powdery mildew. So far this spring, the bushes all look wonderful and are just beginning to bloom but if the powdery mildew returns…any suggestions?? THANKS!!
Thank you so much for all your time and hard work putting out all your amazing articles ❤️. I recently moved to Knoxville, TN after being born and raised in San Diego (57years). I would love to plant Elephant ears and Peonies. Can you tell me when I plant the bulbs- it’s all new to me- thank you so so very much
Wonderful info! I planted a peony years ago along the driveway, only had books to tell me what to do and this year is the first year it actually looks beautiful, likely because of all the rain. Mine is odd though, it dies back every year, but the stalks have 3 buds, the center one blooming first. So I have to put them in a bowl instead of a vase until the others bloom. 😂
Thank you, I didn’t know there were three different kinds of peonies! Mine are just a few years old. Last year I used individual stakes to hold them up, this year I put some tomato cages in. I’ll have to get some of those grids, those are pretty cool! I heard peonies don’t like to be moved, is that true? Any tips on that?
Hi Laura, I am very new to gardening, and to be honest, I thought I disliked it. But, because of you I was inspired to start a small garden in my yard. I am so excited to work in the dirt and plant new things. I love to see my flowers blossom. I can’t wait to see how the chicken run bed turns out. Thank you for your inspiration.
I got some peony bulbs 2-3 months ago and I live in zone 5a. I was waiting for fall to plant them. Should I just plant them now. I saw this article just today and that Laura is planting them in May. What should I do? Also can I plant them in a container? I got excited and got 3 bulbs without reading how much space they’ll need. I don’t have that big of a sunny spot to plant them in 😭
Coral Charm is on my list for this year, I get at least 2 or 3 each year of the newest colors. The grid brace is what I have always used. To avoid ants in the house just leave your vase of cut flowers sit outside for about an hour, neither my parents nor I have ever had a problem with this method and we always had peonies in the garden that had been taken from my father’s childhood home. I wasn’t able to take one as I moved into an apartment when they sold the house, so I don’t have any from that direct 100 year old line of peony. I have a yellow Itoh peony that I bought several years ago and it gets the biggest flowers I’ve ever seen on a peony. I currently have 12 peonies all different and will be widening my main garden to fit in what I’ll get this year.
I have a Row of peonies that I planted probably 10 years ago on the back of a flower bed with a birch tree in the middle. As the birch tree has gotten bigger it provides more and more shade and I need to move my peonies to get more sun as I’ve noticed it’s blooming less. What are your tips on transplanting as I have heard pennies do not like to be moved.
So… How big are your coral charm peonies now? I just bought 9 bare root peonies — 3 in which are coral charm. They’ll take a few years to get going but I want that peony burst in the spring! I also been tying up my peony bush for years (to the corner gutter). It was here when I moved here and doesn’t get much air circulation. I tried moving it but it keeps coming back (so now I have 3 different peony bushes from one super old one!)!
I have the second peony you mentioned, I inherited my mom’s place an she planted them in 1985…wish I could share a photo here…I started using a small metal garden glass top table, minus the glass to “corral” mine, you can find those cheap at second hand stores, really cheap when the glass is missing.
Thank you for your interesting article. I have peonies that I have taken from house to house and they were originally rescued from in front of an old house that was going to be burnt and demolished. So questions: 1. Shouldn’t the potted ones have some of the outer soiled scratched away to encourage the roots to go out into the new soil? Shouldn’t everything have been watered into get rid of air pockets? Rinsing off with water sadly does not get rid of the ants. They emerge later, when the blooms are in a vase, from between the many petals and make me flip out. Please give additional suggestions.
I don’t have a garden. I Planted my peony in a flower pot today. Do you think there going to be ok in a flower pot ? 1st time planting peony flowers. And I got a bag of Is bio town flourizer starter off Amazon. It should be arriving in 2 to 3 days. Is it ok to Sprinkle some around the flowers when it arrives? Because I didn’t have any when I planted the flowers.
I’m new to all of this. I am loving your website so much! I had a question, I live in central TX, is it possible to plant peonies here? Some people tell me I can’t because they need to have a freeze. I don’t know how true that is. They are my favorite flower so I am hoping you are going to say yes!! 🤗
I had peonies in my yard that came from a farm where they had been for 100 years. They were always gorgeous, until last year where the winter was so harsh, they didn’t come back. 😢 Also, I had several double bearded Irises that didn’t come back either. I think it was partially due to winter, partially due to the mulch I used???
Can you transplant them? I’m new to gardening and I planted one 2 springs ago and it is growing beautifully, but I don’t think I put it in a good spot as I am still learning. I’d like to move it but don’t want to ruin anything. It started with just 2 or 3 blooms and just today I counted 12 buds forming 😊
Hey im new in your website and just want to say thanks for sharing this! Your garden and flowers are really pretty. I have a question, i have a potted shirley temple peony. They are blooming and healthy. Can you show me how i should prune this? Not sure how to do it and a bit worries because its my first peony plant. I do love it in a pot so I may keep it there for a while. It is placed where its getting full sunlight in the am and shade in the afternoon. I live in the south so it’s getting warmer here now too. Hope you can teach me about this pretty plant. Thanks in advance!
I have 3. A white one that was here when we moved in, in 2004 and 2 bright pink ones, I planted about 8 years ago. The white one has stopped producing to blooms. It develops buds but then the buds die. We may get 2-3 blooms one that plant.. the pink one produce several blooms. We live in mid-west Texas. Would you have any suggestions?
I have six established peonies. Four of them are going to bloom this year but two of them aren’t; one of the two has some not-going-to-bloom buds (they are too small) and one has none. I’m wondering if those two plants need more maturity or if I should dig them up after bloom season and plant them more shallowly? All of the plants are in the same location so it isn’t a lighting issue. Like my other most prized plants, hellebores, peonies are an exercise in patience but mine is wearing thin when they deny me a beautiful show.
Laura, QUESTION: I bought some small peony plants this spring that had 1 bud on them. They opened up and were beautiful as soon as I planted but the stems were so heavy that they fell over and broke off. Should I just leave them alone and hope for the best for next year? There was a lot of rain around that time and really isn’t even a plant left
I was gifted a variety of peony last spring that has a flower that has basically a single bloom instead of a big full bloom. Does anyone have a clue as to the variety it could be. This was a very old variety. The person who had the plant and she had it for at least 60 years after it was gifted to her.