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Growing Peonies
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Peony Flowers
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Peony Flowers
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The peony is outrageously beautiful in bloom from spring to summer—with lush foliage all summer long. Here’s how to grow peonies and get the best peony flowers in your garden.
Peonies are perennials that come back every year to take your breath away. The plants may live longer than you do—some have been known to thrive for 100 years.
Many nurseries offer early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, making it possible for you to stretch out the peony season over many weeks. There are 6 flower types to choose from: anemone, single, Japanese, semi-double, double, and bomb. Fragrances vary as well—some plants such as ‘Festiva Maxima’ and ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ have intoxicating rose-like scents while others are lemony or have no scent at all.
They’re hardy to Zone 3 and grow well as far south as Zones 7 and 8. In most of the country, the rules for success are simply full sun and well-drained soil. Peonies even relish cold winters, because they need chilling for bud formation.
Peonies make fine sentinels lining walkways and a lovely low hedge. After its stunning bloom, the peony’s bushy clump of handsome glossy green leaves lasts all summer, and then turns purplish-red or gold in the fall, as stately and dignified as any shrub.
In mixed borders, peonies bloom with columbines, baptisias, and veronicas, and combine well with irises and roses. Plant white peonies with yellow irises and a froth of forget-me-nots; set off pink peonies with blue Nepeta or violets.
Planting
When to Plant Peonies
Peony plants require little maintenance as long as they are planted properly and establish themselves; they do not respond well to transplanting.
- Plant peonies in the fall: in late September and October in most of the country, and even later in the South. (If you must move an established plant, this is the time.)
- Peonies should be settled into place about six weeks before the ground freezes. Spring-planted peonies just don’t do as well, experts agree; they generally lag about a year behind those planted in the fall.
Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site
- Peonies are not too fussy, but choose your location wisely, as they resent disturbance and do not transplant well.
- Peonies like full sun, and though they can manage with half a day, they bloom best in a sunny spot.
- Provide shelter from strong winds.
- Plant away from trees or shrubs as peonies don’t like to compete for food and moisture.
- Grow peonies in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that drains well. Soil pH should be neutral.
How to Plant Peonies
- Peonies are usually sold as bare-root tubers with 3 to 5 eyes (buds), divisions of a 3- or 4-year-old plant.
- Space peonies 3 to 4 feet apart for good air circulation.
- Dig a generous-sized hole, about 2 feet deep and 2 feet across in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. The soil will benefit from the addition of organic material in the planting hole. If the soil is heavy or very sandy, enrich it with extra compost. Incorporate about one cup of bonemeal into the soil. Learn more about soil amendments and preparing soil for planting.
- Set the root so the eyes face upward on top of a mound of soil in the hole, placing the roots just 2 inches below the soil surface. Don’t plant too deep! (In southern states, choose early-blooming varieties, plant them about 1 inch deep, and provide some shade.)
- Then, backfill the hole, taking care that the soil doesn’t settle and bury the root deeper than 2 inches. Tamp the soil gently.
- When planting a container-grown peony, cover it no deeper than it grew in the pot.
- Water thoroughly.
Care
How to Care for Peonies
Like children, young peonies take time to develop. They usually need a few years to establish themselves, bloom, and grow.
Peonies thrive on benign neglect. Unlike most perennials, they don’t need to be dug and divided.
- Spare the fertilizer. Work the soil well before you plant, mixing in compost and a little fertilizer, and that should be enough.
- If your soil is poor, the time to apply fertilizer (bonemeal, compost, or well-rotted manure) is early summer, after the peonies have bloomed and you have deadheaded the flowers. Don’t fertilize more than every few years.
- Help the stems. If peonies have any structural weakness, it is their stems, which are sometimes not strong enough to support their gigantic blossoms. Consider three-legged metal peony rings or wire tomato cages that allow the plant to grow through the center of the support.
- Deadhead peony blossoms as soon as they begin to fade, cutting to a strong leaf so that the stem doesn’t stick out of the foliage. Cut the foliage to the ground in the fall to avoid any overwintering diseases.
- Don’t smother peonies with mulch. Where cold temperatures are severe, for the first winter after planting you can mulch VERY loosely with pine needles or shredded bark. Remove mulch in the spring.
Pests/Diseases
Peonies are generally very hardy. However, they are susceptible to:
- Verticillium wilt
- Ringspot virus
- Tip blight
- Stem rot
- Botrytis blight
- Leaf blotch
- Japanese beetles
- Nematodes
Ants on Peonies
Many gardeners wonder why so many ants crawl on the peony buds. Don’t worry! They are just eating the peony’s nectar in exchange for attacking bud-eating pests. They are attracted to the sugary droplets on the outside of flower buds or to the honeydew produced by scale insects and aphids. Never spray the ants; they’re helping you by keeping your peonies safe!
Luckily, peonies are also one of many deer-resistant plants you can grow in your garden.
Harvest/Storage
Peonies in a Vase
Peonies make wonderful cut flowers, lasting more than a week in a vase. For best results, cut long stems in the morning when the buds are still fairly tight.
You can wrap freshly cut peony stems in damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. When removing the peonies from the refrigerator give the stems a fresh cut and place them in lukewarm water to wake them up.
Recommended Varieties
Peonies are spring-bloomers, but you can plan your garden for a successive display of flowers from mid-May to late June. Here are some choices:
- ‘Early Scout’: very early, red single flowers
- ‘Firelight’: very early, pale-pink single blossoms
- ‘Karl Rosenfield’: midseason double with large crimson blossoms
- ‘Norma Volz’: midseason large, white, fully double flowers
- ‘Elsa Sass’: late-season double with pure-white, camellia-like flowers
- ‘Rare Flower of Frosty Dew’: late-season 3-foot plant with bright pink fragrant blooms
Wit & Wisdom
- Peonies are said to symbolize a happy life and a happy marriage. See more flower meanings here.
- Marco Polo described peony blossoms as “roses as big as cabbages”.
- When peonies blossom, it is safe to plant heat-loving melons, such as cantaloupe.
- Peony petals are edible. Add to summer salads or use as garnish for lemonade and ice tea. Read more about edible flowers!
Had I but four square feet of ground at my disposal, I would plant a peony in the corner and proceed to worship. –Alice Harding, The Book of the Peony
The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom.
–Henry Mitchell, American writer (1923-93)
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Reader Comments
Leave a Comment
Early growth
Hello! I live in East Tennessee (zone 7). I planted 4 bare-root peonies in October in a spot in my yard where they receive full sun. We have had an unusually warm winter, we even had a day that reached into the low 70's. I just happened to be checking on my plants around my yard and discovered that one of the peonies has started to grow! What do I do? Should I just leave it as is, and cover it only when there is the threat of frost or freezing temperatures? I would appreciate any information or tips. Thank you!
Early Growth
You have identified the solution: Yes, cover i with a few inche of mulch until winter in your area is well and truly behind you—and look a it this way: the early growh is a show of vitaliy! The little tuber is eager to get growing. Cheers for a grea gardening season!
peonies
I have 4 peonies that I brought from my childhood home. The house is now about 120 years old so I know the peonies were very old. I planted them in a sunny spot, but now the trees are growing and it's becoming more shaded. Is that going to be problematic? Should I consider moving some of them?
Moving peony palnts
Yes, you are correct in assuming this could be problematic. Peonies shaded by large trees or shrubs bloom poorly and should be moved to a sunny site. The peonies should be dug, divided, and transplanted to improve performance. Moving established plants is a simple procedure. Cut the peony stems near ground level in September. Then carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible. Promptly replant the peony in a sunny, well-drained site.
Peonies- Leaves yellowed after blooming
Hi,
My peony went into a well drained iron Large pot; after it bloomed (3 flowers) all the leaves eventually turned yellow and remained yellow all summer. I haven't killed it yet, and wonder what the problem may be ? thx !
Peonie in a pot
This is the peonies plants second year. Both years after new growth and 1 flower it died back now mid August I see a new shoot, shouldn't I see that in the spring. It did the same thing last year, just leave it or cut it back.
Thank You
after the bloom ??
I have several lovely plants one is many years old and smells wonderful .. I let the blooms fall off naturally because I noticed when I cut them to bring inside they done last as long and I Love to see them so I don't anymore ..But what is the large and bulbus looking pods that venture up after the Flower drops off? Can it be Planted or harvested to give to friends for their garden??
Seed Pods
These are seed pods! Allow them to mature on the plant, then, once the pods have popped open, harvest the seeds. Peonies can be grown from seed, BUT it may take 5 or more years before a peony matures enough to produce a bloom.
Support for crazy tall peonies
I have two four-year-old Duchesse de Nemours peony bushes, and a third that is two years old. As a newbie gardener I just slapped them in the ground with a little bone meal and I cut them back every fall. They were supposed to be 2-3 feet tall, but the older ones are now 4.5 feet and the "baby" not far behind. They are covered with massive scented blooms. I have bought bigger and bigger grid peony supports, but now none of them are anywhere near tall enough. This spring I built three 5-foot-tall frames using bamboo garden stakes and twine, but after a heavy rainfall the weight of the blooms broke one cross piece, pushed several down the uprights and pushed one of the uprights over. Now I'm thinking about building permanent cages out of cattle fencing or similar, but I guess I'd need to reinforce the corners with something? I see a lot of ideas on line, but they all seem to be supporting non-mutant peonies. Does anyone have any experience with something like this?
Peonies
I have three plants in pots on my deck. All three plants appear very healthy except that the flower buds seem to all die off before blooming when they are the size of 1/4" to 1/2 ". They did this last year as well. I suspected that I wasn't giving them enough water. So I have been diligent this year with my watering and with the exception of two blossoms on one plant, the rest of the buds are dying again. The greenery on all three plants appears healthy and lush. What am I doing wrong?
failed buds
This is called “bud blast” and there are lots of reasons for it. Rather than enumerate them here, pls click on this Iowa State coop extension page for details (its content is relevant in any area): https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2006/4-19/peonies.html
Big pink peony
I have a peony which is well over 100 years old It belonged to my Grandad when he died. My mother planted it in her garden. When she died, I planted it in mine. It has beautiful large pale pink flowers. I have noticed this year some of the foliage started to wither so I cut it off. What can i do to prevent this happening in future?
withered foliage
How unfortunate! Our best recommendation is to click on this link to the Missouri Botanical Garden, which features photos of foliage problems. You can look closely and see which best matches your leaves—and see what it is and what to do about it. Here’s the link: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20H...
We hope this helps!
Drooping Peony--disease?
I have a Buckeye Belle peony I purchased and planted on May 4. Up until the evening of this past Thursday, May 16, all the stems were upright and healthy, getting watered daily by rain. I was away for the weekend and when I returned on Sunday evening, two of the three stems were drooped over. I thought it was perhaps due to the sun and heat, so I gave it a good soaking (2 gal). This morning, the one stem was trying to stand, but the other was still flopped over, and felt loose. I propped it up with extra dirt, hoping to help resupport it and give it a chance to be strong. Is this just brought on by the rainy/warm weather, or is this a sign of a disease like botrytis? If it is, what do I do and exactly which product do you recommend I use to treat it? I have a photo I can provide you if you'd like, and appreciate any help you can give!
Thank you,
HeatherAnn
Weak Peony
It’s very possible that the plant has contracted some sort of fungal disease due to the excessive moisture of the season. Check the stems for signs of infection: brown spots on leaves, gray mold at the base of stems, squishy stems. At this point, try to let it dry out and hope that it recovers on its own. See tips for dealing with botrytis here: Botrytis Blight of Peony
Mangled Peonies
The peonies of an elderly friend whose house recently sold were simply mown down a few days ago. The buyer has told me I can dig up the roots if I want them. How do I give them the best chance of survival? I knew her for 30 years and I would very much like to have them as a memory of her.
Transplanting Peonies
If the buyer agrees, we would recommend waiting until fall to dig and transplant the peonies. Peonies are not big fans of being moved, but fall is the optimum time to do so nonetheless. See our planting tips in the article above and the comments below for more advice!
one single peony bloom
I planted 3 bulbs but only one survived and 2 years later I have one plant stalk with one bloom. It's gorgeous, but will my plant spread ever or am I stuck with one single bloom each year?
Growing peonies
Hi Jules, We’ll try to help! First, are you positive this is a peony? Peonies do not grow from bulbs. Generally, folks plant peonies from a small bare-root plants or potted plants that were started at a garden nursery. We recommend a grade 1 bareroot plant with a larger root to develop into a strong plant that produces lots of flowers. You CAN plant peonies from open-pollinated seed (similar to a vegetable!) but it will take 3 to 5 years for it to grow.
Assuming you’re just using the word “bulb” in a broader sense, the next question is climate. Peonies like zones 3 to 8, not the South. Are you planting the right variety in the right zone? When you purchase a peony plant, it will clearly indicate the growing zone or you can ask the garden center.
Peonies are best planted in the fall about 3 weeks before your last frost date. Don’t expect blooms for two to three years after planting. Once established, peonies will bloom for a generation with little attention. They rarely get problems with pests or disease.
The top reason for lack of blooms is sunlight. For peonies to bloom, they need lots of sun—at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. While some peony varieties can grow in partial shade, they are sun lovers. The more sun they get, the better they’ll bloom, so it’s best to plant your peonies in the sunniest location possible.
Finally, soil is important. Peonies prefer loose, fertile, well drained soil. Avoid planting in areas where the soil is soggy or compacted. Add compost and an all purpose fertilizer at planting time. It’s important to take time to select the right site as peonies do not like being transplanted. They develop a large root system and become difficult to move,
We hope this is helpful! See the many comments below for reader questions that are similar.
transplant Peonies
I like to transplant the peonies from the back yard to the front yard?
will they survive the transplanting.
Transplanting your peonies
Read the article above. It states that peonies do NOT like to be disturbed. However, if you must, then it has to be done if fall, about 6 weeks before the ground freezes. Very rich soil is key!!! Compost and bone meal also. Sunny location is best!
Peonies Transplant
Mid summer, my peonies were dug up and left aside as part of a yard project. I decided it was worth a try to transplant them. I let them dry out in the garage for a few days and even divided the two plants. I was really skeptical. But as of today, the plants are emerging and are each about 8 inches high and look healthy. But fingers are crossed.
peony starts.
I just picked up a bag of Peony starts at home deport for 50% off and now ready to plant them in September? I live in Oregon, and I still plant them now, or if I wait till September will they be dead by then?
Peonies at a bargain
Plant them now. Do it properly, per above, and they should be fine.
Black leaves
In Kentucky, I have 3 well established peonies. They are healthy, great bloomers in the Spring. By July the leaves start to turn black and curl. By August they are extremely so. Watering doesn't seem to help. Is there anything I can do? Should I go ahead and cut them back? I have always waited until Fall to do so. It is very unattractive.
blackened peonies
Stop watering! That’s part of the problem. The Missouri Botanical Garden folks explain it this way: Your plants have a fungus (Phytophthora cactorum), which lives in moist soils, causes the phytophthora blight. Flooded and saturated soil conditions are especially conducive to spreading the blight. Eventually, the plant could develop root and crown rot. To (try to) fix this, amend the soil to help it drain. Don’t let soil pool. If soil has piled up over the peony eyes, remove it carefully to expose it. Hope this helps.
peonies in a pot
I live in Cyprus which is zone 10 and I have been trying desperately to grow peonies for about 5 years but failed miserably, however this year, after lots of research I finally have 2 plants that are about 8 inches tall at the moment. one is in the ground and the other in a pot. we don't have a cold winter so for 2 weeks in late January/early February i placed lots of ice cubes on them every day so they would think it was winter. I think it must have worked ! and hopefully they will continue to bloom. Im worried though about the hot summer we will have and what advice you can give me to keep them healthy. Also when the potted one dies down in the fall, what should I do with the pot ? I read that it should be cut down and covered with straw and kept in an unheated space - do I continue to water it or keep it dry until early spring. any advice would be warmly appreciated
Hi. We moved into a new home
Hi. We moved into a new home last winter, and in the spring we had 2 beautiful peony bushes. We didn't know that we had to cut them down in the fall. There are a few limp dead brown branches on the ground. It's early April, but still cool in NY. Should we cut them now? How do we bring them back to life? Thanks
Peony Foliage
Yes, cut back the old, dead foliage before the new growth emerges in late spring.
Growing Peony in hot weather
peonies are lovely and im planning to grow them. I live in the Philippines and im doubtful if these plant could grow in a tropical weather. Can they survive tropic heat? Thanks
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