A classic country garden flower that also holds its own in a more formal setting, peonies have been bred and developed for thousands of years by the Chinese, Japanese and now the Americans. We stock both the traditional ‘lactiflora’ types and the more modern ‘intersectionals’ whose luscious flowers are held on woody stems and rarely need staking. Order your peony plants bare rooted for autumn or spring planting and you will be rewarded with a gradually increasing clump that will last for many years.
Peonies are beloved spring blooming perennials that bring joy with their lush, romantic flowers. While peonies can be purchased as potted plants, many gardeners choose to plant bare root peonies for a more affordable option that establishes quickly. Although bare root peonies may look intimidating at first, planting them properly is easy with a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know for planting bare root peonies successfully.
When is the Best Time to Plant Bare Root Peonies?
Bare root herbaceous peonies should be planted in the fall, typically between late September and November. The roots are dormant during this time, allowing them to focus energy on developing roots before putting up foliage and flowers in spring. If planting later than November, be sure to keep bare roots moist and cool until planting. Avoid leaving bare roots exposed to light and air for extended periods.
Spring planting is not recommended for bare root peonies By spring, the roots have broken dormancy and will suffer greater transplant shock However, container grown peonies can be successfully planted in spring after the threat of frost has passed.
Choosing the Right Planting Site
When selecting where to plant your bare root peonies, keep these factors in mind:
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Sunlight Peonies thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun per day Morning sun is ideal. With less light, they will have weaker stems and fewer flowers.
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Soil drainage: Excellent drainage is crucial, as peonies will not tolerate wet feet. Avoid low spots where water collects. Raised beds work beautifully for peonies.
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Soil quality: Peonies prefer nutrient-rich, loose, well-draining soil. Incorporate compost or peat moss to improve dense or sandy soils.
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Spacing: Allow 3-4 feet between peonies so they have room to reach maturity without overcrowding.
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Competition: Plant peonies away from tree and shrub roots that may compete for nutrients and moisture.
Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil before planting will give your bare root peonies the best start. Here’s how to get your soil peony-ready:
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Loosen the soil in your planting area to a depth of 12-18 inches. Break up large clumps and remove rocks and debris.
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Work 1-2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6 inches of soil. This will enrich the soil with organic matter.
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For clay soils, mix in peat moss at a ratio of 1 part peat to 3 parts soil to improve drainage.
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In sandy soils, mix peat at 1:3 to increase moisture retention.
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Just before planting, sprinkle bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting holes according to package directions. Never place dry fertilizer directly on roots.
How to Plant Bare Root Peonies Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for planting your bare root peonies:
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Soak Roots
Prior to planting, soak bare roots in a bucket of water for 20-30 minutes. This rehydrates them after shipping.
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Dig Holes
Dig a hole for each root, spacing plants 3-4 feet apart. Holes should be deep enough to accommodate roots without bending.
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Place in Hole
Place the root in the hole so the pink growth buds are 1-2 inches below soil level. The roots should lay flat without crowding.
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Backfill Soil
Fill the hole halfway and water thoroughly to remove air pockets. Let water drain. Fill remaining soil, firming gently. Create a low mound of soil over roots.
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Water Deeply
Water thoroughly until soil is moist 8-10 inches down. Proper watering is vital, especially during fall root establishment.
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Mulch (Optional)
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark, leaves, or straw over the soil surface to conserve moisture. Remove mulch in early spring.
Caring for Newly Planted Peonies
Taking good care of your peonies in the first couple seasons after planting bare roots will ensure healthy, vigorous plants:
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Water 1-2 times per week during the first year, soaking the root zone thoroughly. Drought stress is the biggest threat to new plants.
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Stake tall hybrids to protect from wind damage.
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Apply an organic flower fertilizer when growth resumes in spring.
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Remove faded flowers to encourage reblooming.
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Divide when the plants become overcrowded, about every 5-7 years.
Troubleshooting Common Peony Problems
Not blooming: Insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or overfertilizing can prevent flowering. Give plants time to establish, dividing or moving to a sunnier spot if needed.
Foliage wilts: Check soil moisture and water if dry. Foliar nematode disease causes similar symptoms.
Black roots: This indicates root rot from excessive soil moisture. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Failure to emerge in spring: The plant may have died over winter. Wait until mid-May before removing in case slow growth is the cause.
Achieving Peony Growing Success
Follow the planting, care, and troubleshooting tips above and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, long-lived peonies in your garden. Pay close attention to sunlight, drainage, planting depth, and watering when first establishing your bare roots. With proper care, your peonies will flourish for generations to come. The effort is well worth it when those sumptuous blooms open in spring!
are peonies poisonous to dogs or cats?
Peonies do contain bitter tasting phenol compounds which thankfully keep deer and rabbits at bay. Given that reports of dogs or cats being poisoned by peonies are thankfully rare, presumably they don’t like the taste of them either.
Herbaceous peonies will gradually bulk up over the years to create a nice clump.
They certainly are, and some have lasted up to 50 years in historic gardens. They do benefit from being lifted and divided occasionally as their flowering will slow down after about 20 years.
what is an intersectional or Itoh peony?
These plants are a cross between the herbaceous peony and the woody stemmed tree peony. They were first bred in Japan in the 1960s and have become hugely popular in America with their big blowsy flowers in a wide range of luscious colours. We sell several cultivars: ‘All that Jazz’, ‘Julia Rose’, ‘Cora Louise’ being just three. Their form is more like a herbaceous peony in that they do not get tall and leggy, but their stems are woody so do not tend to need staking.
Planting bare root peonies in the spring
FAQ
What do I do with a bare root peony?
Bare-root peonies should be planted between autumn and early spring unless the ground is frozen or waterlogged. If you are not able to plant straight away, pot them on into a large container ready to transplant when conditions allow. Remember to soak the root for about 30mins before planting.
Should peony roots be soaked before planting?
If they look dry, soak them in water for 12 hours or overnight before planting.Feb 17, 2009
How long does it take for a bare root peony to bloom?
It usually takes 2 to 4 years before peonies bloom for the first time. Herbaceous peonies will usually bloom around 2 – 3 years after planting.Jan 12, 2022