I absolutely love it when the peonies flower in the garden. They're such a pretty sight and always feel a little decadent, with their big blousy blooms and oversized foliage. Once they're established, there are plenty of flowers to cut and bring into the house too.
They've been a favourite with expert gardeners for donkey's years, but they're so undemanding that they're perfect for beginners too. A little care when you plant them and they'll reward you every early summer for years, even decades. Have a look at our peonies to choose yours.
The short version
- Plant bare root peonies from autumn to early spring, in a sunny spot.
- Cover the eyes with just 2 to 3cm of soil. Too deep and they won't flower.
- Feed in spring and autumn, and give the heavy stems some support.
- New plants can take a year or two to flower well.
When is the best time to plant peonies?
Autumn through to early spring, while they're dormant, as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. We supply our peonies as bare roots, and in our opinion that's the best way to buy them. They tend to be bigger and better value than potted plants, and they settle in and flower sooner.
How do I plant peonies?
Bare roots can look a bit daunting, but peonies are so easy to plant.
- Pick a sunny spot. A little light shade won't do them any harm, but they flower best in sun.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root and mix a little slow release fertiliser into the planting hole.
- Pop the root in with the eyes (the little pink buds) facing upwards.
- Cover with just 2 to 3cm of soil. If the odd bud pokes above the surface, don't panic.
- Firm in gently and water well.
The one thing to get right is the depth. Plant a peony too deep and you'll get lots of lovely leaves but no flowers.
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Join the Garden ClubCan I grow peonies in a pot?
Yes. Peonies are just as happy in pots and containers as in beds and borders. Choose a good sized pot so the roots have room, use a quality compost and keep them well watered, as pots dry out quicker. Our very own Ken Evans shows you how to make a stunning peony and primrose planter in this video.
How do I look after peonies?
For the first few months after planting, just make sure the soil doesn't dry out, especially in dry spells. After that, give them a slow release feed in early spring and again in early autumn, and that's about it.
Peony flowers are heavy, so they appreciate some support for all their efforts. We use plant supports, which look more attractive in the border while you wait for the plants to fill out. Put them in early in spring so the stems grow up through them. You don't want those precious flowers to be a flop!
Why isn't my peony flowering?
The most common reason is planting too deep. If the buds are more than a few centimetres under the soil, lift the plant in autumn and replant it a little higher. Newly planted peonies can also take a year or two to get going, so be patient.
Can you move or divide peonies?
Peonies are known for not liking being disturbed, but most will cope if you lift and divide them carefully in autumn every few years. Make sure each piece has a few eyes and some good roots, and replant at the right depth. It gives old plants a new lease of life and gives you more plants to fill your borders with.
How to cut peonies for the house
Choose a stem where the bud is just cracking open with colour and cut it with sharp snips. Leave plenty of leaves on the plant, as they feed it for next year.
These wonderful, hardy plants will flower year after year, with a bigger, more bountiful display each time.
Happy gardening,
Lou
