When Should Tree Peonies Be Planted?

Tree peonies are magnificent deciduous shrubs that require careful care and planting. They are best planted in autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, sheltered from cold winds. To ensure proper growth, prune out dead stems in late winter, mulch and fertilize in spring, and make new plants by division in autumn.

Peonies should be planted exactly at the crown of the plant (where the stem meets the root) to bloom. If the soil is covering the crown, your peony may not bloom. Start by digging a hole twice as deep. Tree peonies are best planted in autumn, but winter or early spring planting is also suitable. Avoid planting in late spring and summer as plants will not establish well in hot, dry conditions.

Plant tree peonies 5 feet apart and give them plenty of time to mature. Bare root tree peonies are always planted from autumn to early spring, but not if the ground is frozen. Containerized plants can be planted all year round.

Tree peonies are a classic example of a plant best planted in autumn. Plants planted in autumn gradually establish and settle their roots before the ground. New tree peony plants should be planted in spring or fall, not during the heat of summer. Tree peonies are very drought-tolerant once established and prefer dapple shade to part shade but can be planted in full sun, 1 foot apart with the plant crown at soil level.

In summary, tree peonies are beautiful, easy-to-care-for plants that require careful planting, pruning, and care.

Where is the best place to plant a tree peony?

As with all plants, tree peonies require well-draining soil and dappled light. While they can flourish in full sunlight, they tend to exhibit optimal growth when exposed to morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or when receiving dappled sunlight throughout the day.

What month is best to plant peonies?

Peonies are best planted in the fall and spring, as they are frost-resistant and can be planted in any season. However, the optimal period for planting is between late September and October, as this allows the plants to establish themselves before the onset of winter.

What is the difference between a peony and a tree peony?

Tree and herbaceous peonies differ in their production of foliage. Tree peonies maintain above-ground woody stems year-round, while herbaceous peonies are perennials that die back into the ground each winter and resprout in the spring. Herbaceous peonies produce flowers by growing long stems with fat buds, opening into large flowers. Tree peonies mature slowly, taking up to three years to establish a flower. Once grown, they can live for over 100 years.

Tree peonies have larger, flatter flower buds and do not secrete honey. They can grow up to 25 centimeters in diameter once they blossom, while herbaceous peonies’ roses are usually 15 centimeters. Both tree and herbaceous peonies come in single and double forms, with single peonies having only one or two rows of petals and center stamens visible, and double peonies having an abundance of petals and a dome shape, which may require staking.

Do peonies spread?

Tree peonies with spreading growth habits, such as those from the Central Plains cultivar group of Chinese tree peonies and hybrids, have branches that expand diagonally to the ground, resulting in a plant width greater than height. These trees are slower growing than upright ones and can be planted in mixed perennial borders or foundation plantings, as well as on raised terraces for easy viewing of downward-facing flowers. They thrive in USDA zones 4-9 and require at least 5-6 hours of sunlight.

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.

Will peonies bloom the first year planted?

Brooks Gardens received phone calls from customers who planted peony roots last fall. One woman was surprised to see her plants blooming just months after planting them bare root, while another woman had her peony root in a large flower pot produce five flowers. A nervous customer planted over 80 peony roots with just one to two inches of soil over the eyes, careful not to plant too deep. Despite the beautiful growth, he was in a panic and cut many of them for friends to enjoy.

A friend warned him not to cut a first-year peony stem, as it might damage his maturing plants. He was filled with anxiety. The experience highlights the importance of proper root development and planting techniques for successful peony growth.

How many years does it take peonies to bloom?

It is possible for plants to be too young, and while the majority of peonies are typically not grown from seed, some avid gardeners have successfully attempted to do so. Plants cultivated from seeds typically require four to five years to reach maturity and produce flowers. The premature removal of foliage in July or August can result in the weakening of the plant, which may subsequently produce a reduced number of flowers. In the event that buds emerge but fail to open, other potential causes include overwatering, the presence of pests, or inadequate care.

Do peonies like sun or shade?

Peonies require 6-8 hours of sun daily, with some protection from hot afternoon sun in zones 8-9. They thrive in slightly moist, well-drained soil. There are four main types of peonies: woodland peonies, tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and intersectional peonies. These beautiful perennials bloom around Memorial Day, with some blooms growing up to 9 inches. Peonies are deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them suitable for gardeners who struggle with animals munching on their plants. Growing peonies is easy, as they can bloom away in old cemeteries or abandoned farmsteads, having received little care for many years.

What do tree peonies symbolize?

The Chinese have a long history of devoted land, labor, and love to tree peonies, dating back to the Tang dynasty (8-12th centuries CE). By the Song dynasty, tree peonies became a favorite muse of Chinese painters, symbolizing female beauty, love, wealth, and status. Today, they remain a classical subject in Chinese culture, with a Ming dynasty painting of two beauties reminiscent of a Tang dynasty poem called Teasing. Reflecting on the Chinese experience and interactions with tree peonies can help us appreciate the significance of these plants in our gardens.

Do peonies multiply?

If you’re looking to add more peonies to your garden without worrying about the cost, you can divide a large herbaceous peony’s roots to create more plants. Herbaceous peonies are long-lived perennials that can be divided to yield clones that grow into individual plants. To divide peonies in fall, allow them to grow and establish themselves in warm soil. However, this technique is not suitable for intersectional or tree peonies, which propagate differently. To use this technique, use isopropyl alcohol, paper towels, a pruning saw, or an old chef’s knife.

Where is the best place to plant peonies?

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.