How to Plant a Peony Root

A peony prefers full sun.

Peonies produce stunning, old-fashioned blooms in delicate shades of pink, white, yellow and red, but are one of the sturdiest plants known. The shrub-like perennials live in gardens for decades, producing lush blooms and full, leathery foliage year after year. For a peony to blooms prolifically, the root division from which it grows must be planted properly.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost

Instructions

1. Dig a hole about 2 wide and deep in a location that gets at least six hours of sun during summer days.

2. Fill the hole with half aged compost and half native soil removed from the hole. Mix the two together well with your shovel.

3. Pack it in, water it and let it settle in for about one week.

4. Dig a small hole, just large enough to accommodate your bare root peony plant. Place the root with the small pink buds, called eyes, up. Cover the root so the eyes are under no more than 2 inches of soil. Too far buried and you'll get a peony that will not bloom.

5. Water in well.

Tips & Warnings

• Peonies may not bloom the first year after planting. Blooming during the first year is actually discouraged so if you see buds that look like they'll bloom, snip them off immediately.

• If planting more than one peony, dig holes 4 feet apart for standard varieties and 2 feet apart for dwarf peonies.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Planting Peonies
• University of Missouri Extension: Peony Planting