Peonies are among the longest-lived garden perennials, and a well-planted root can flower in the same spot for decades. Autumn is the best time to plant them, because the root settles in over winter and starts growing as soon as spring arrives. Getting a few details right on planting day makes all the difference.
Quick answer: Plant peony roots in autumn, in full sun and well-drained soil, with the pink buds (the “eyes”) about 5 cm (2 inches) below the soil surface. Planting deeper than that is the most common reason peonies do not flower.
When should you plant peony roots?
Autumn, from October until the ground freezes, is ideal. Bare-root peonies can also be planted in late winter and early spring whenever the soil is workable. We ship peony roots from 1 October until 1 June, so there is a planting window almost all season. A root planted in autumn typically gives a small first flowering the following year.
Where should you plant them?
Choose a spot with at least six hours of sun a day. Peonies tolerate light shade, but flowering is better in sun. They dislike standing water, so avoid low spots where the soil stays wet in winter. Good air movement around the plant helps keep the leaves healthy. Peonies resent being moved, so pick a spot you are happy with for the long term.
How to plant a peony root, step by step
- Prepare the soil. Dig a hole about 40 cm wide and deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in some compost. Heavy clay benefits from added grit or sand.
- Check the roots. Our roots are graded 3 to 5 eyes. Look for the red or pink buds on top of the root; these are the eyes, and they must point upward.
- Set the depth. Place the root so the eyes sit about 5 cm (2 inches) below the final soil level. Laying a garden cane across the hole is a handy way to check. Read more in The Two-Inch Rule: The Exact Science of Peony Planting Depth.
- Backfill and firm. Fill with soil, press gently to remove air pockets, and water in well once.
- Space them. Allow around 90 cm between plants so each has room for air and for its mature clump.
What happens in the first years?
Be patient. In the first spring you may see only a few stems and perhaps a flower or two. Most peonies give a full display from the second or third year. Once established they need very little: remove the dead foliage in autumn and add a thin layer of compost in spring. Keep mulch away from the crown.
Why didn’t my peony flower?
The usual causes are planting too deep, too much shade, or a root that has been disturbed. If a plant has not flowered after three years, check that the crown is not buried more than 5 cm, and move it to a sunnier position in autumn if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which way up does a peony root go?
The eyes, the small red or pink buds, face up. The thick storage roots point down.
Can I plant peony roots in pots?
Yes, for a season or two, in a large, deep container with good drainage. For the long term, peonies do best in the ground.
Do peonies need to be planted before the frost?
Not strictly. Plant as long as the soil is workable. If the ground is frozen, store the root somewhere cool and frost-free and plant when it thaws.
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