2017-05-04 06.36.54b_lo.jpg

Herbaceous Peony

Herbaceous Peonies, the most well-known type of peony, produce some of the best cut flowers available. At Peony’s Envy, we apply best practices to the planting and growing of all our herbaceous peonies. They require full sun, rich soil, good drainage, and sufficient water. They bloom during the transition from spring into summer; their bloom time spans 4-5 weeks, with very early to very late cultivars available. Each individual cultivar blooms for an average of 5-7 days. The foliage of shining green leaves remains throughout the summer, dies back to the ground in winter, and reemerges early each spring. Peonies have been cultivated for centuries; thus, a curated collection of distinct herbaceous cultivars can offer both extended bloom time and an astounding array of flower form, color, and degree of fragrance.

Chapters - Jump to a Section

How Do You Plant and Care for Herbaceous Peonies?

Herbaceous peonies can be planted in both spring and fall. Like most long-lived perennials, they take three years to bloom prolifically. They are worth the wait! Peonies thrive in horticultural zones 3-8. Typically, peak bloom occurs in mid-May in the southern zones, late-May in the mid zones, and early-June in the colder zones. Peonies are a mainstay in every garden, the best cut flower available, and can be passed down through generations since they live for centuries. Looking for information on other types of peonies? We offer complete care guides for:


1. Site Selection

Herbaceous peonies grow well in horticultural zones 3-8. If you are in the northern, central or northwest sections of the United States, choose your peonies with abandon. All peonies will grow well in your garden. Special considerations should be taken for zone 8 in the southern United States, where you experience early spring heat. See the section on the South below. Unsure of your horticultural zone? Click here to go to the USDA website, where you can enter your zip code to determine your zone. Please note that all herbaceous peonies grow well in the Pacific Northwest, despite the warmer zones along the coast. When choosing a site, first consider the amount of sun. The more sun, the more flowers the peony will produce. If planted in less than full sun, peonies take longer to mature and don’t produce as many flowers. Peonies need rich soil, good drainage, sufficient water, and a neutral pH. You are looking to create a sandy loam: a soil with equal parts sand, clay, and compost. Peonies cannot tolerate wet feet but need sufficient water, especially when first planted and in times of drought. Do not plant in low-lying areas that retain water, and be cautious when planting close to overhead sprinkler and irrigation systems.

Hort Zones 3-8 | Full Sun | Good Drainage | Sufficient Water| Rich Soil | Neutral pH

What Peonies Need

Herbaceous peonies grow in Horticultural Zones 3-8 and prefer a neutral pH.

The more sun, the more flowers! The less sun, the fewer flowers the plant will produce, and the longer it will take to mature.

Peonies can not tolerate wet feet. Add compost and grit to heavy clay soil to create a sandy loam and increase drainage. Do not plant in low-lying areas that retain water.

New peony plantings and established peony plantings in times of drought need periodic heavy root soakings. Avoid overhead foliar watering.

Feed your peonies. Incorporate generous amounts of compost in your soil when planting and lightly top-dress with compost at the drip-line several times a year.


2. Garden Layout

Herbaceous peony planting space

New herbaceous peony plants should be planted 2.5 to 3 feet apart on center, and approximately 1.5 feet from any edge or border. Once you have determined the site, measure the space you have available. If you are planting one plant, then your calculations are simple; if you are designing a larger garden, scroll down for our recommendations. Think long-term when you are laying out your peony garden. Peonies will take about three years to mature. In return, they will live happily with minimal care for decades.

Walkway Bookends

Herbaceous Walkway Planting Plan
IMG_6705b.jpg

Grouping - 3 Plants

Herbaceous Planting Plan Spacing for 3 plants
IMG_2252.jpg

Small Hedge - 5 Plants

Herbaceous Planting Plan Spacing for 5 plants
IMG_7881.jpg

Long Hedge - 25+ Plants

herb_25.jpg
herb_25T.jpg

Cut Flower Garden

Cut flower growing is a true art; the planting and planning is no exception. The plan below is one that is often used by cut flower growers as it allows access to all of the plants in the least amount of space. When creating rows, they should be far enough apart to accommodate whatever farming equipment you have: tillers, mowers, tractors, etc.

Herbaceous Peony Cutting Garden Plan
IMG_5859.jpg

3. When to Plant

IMG_2055_l.jpg

Tips for Fall

Fall planting occurs from late August until the ground freezes solid for winter.

  • PEONIES ARE COLD-HARDY PERENNIALS. As with all cold-hardy plants, fall is the traditional time to plant and, historically, the only time peony roots were available. Plant your peonies immediately upon receipt.
  • Especially in colder climates, horticultural zones 5-3, newly planted peony roots can be affected by frost heave. Check to make sure the roots remain underground as planted. Any peonies dislocated by frost heave should be replanted.
  • Do not mulch your peonies; they need the cold to flower, and mulch will insulate peonies from the cold.
index2_18_14b.jpg

Tips for Frozen Ground & Cold

Here are some additional tips for the cold season:

  • IF THE GROUND IS FROZEN SOLID at the time of purchase or delivery, it is best to store your peony roots in the fridge until you are ready to plant. Keep them in the bag as they come, do not add water.
  • PEONIES ARE COLD-HARDY PERENNIALS. Plant them on the first day that the ground has thawed enough to get a shovel in the ground. Do not worry if the ground has the potential to freeze again, or if it will snow.
  • IF YOUR PEONIES HAVE SPROUTED, plant as above. Make sure to protect new shoots from frost, as they are more susceptible to frost damage if not planted the correct distance underground.

Tips for Spring

Spring planting occurs from the time the ground starts to thaw through mid June.

  • PEONIES ARE COLD-HARDY PERENNIALS. They should be planted the first chance you can get a shovel in the ground, regardless of frost or freeze potential. Do not wait for the frost date to plant your peony roots. It is best to plant them while you still have cold or snowy days in the forecast.
  • If you are planting bare-root peonies in spring, it is likely that your peonies will produce minimal growth above ground the first year. If you are planting peonies that have been grown in pots, there is potential that the buds will wither and the leaves will die back early. Don’t worry, this is normal. That said, diseases are more prevalent on peonies that have been planted in the spring. Watch for botrytis and treat accordingly.
  • If you have gotten to this point but are looking to plant tree peonies or intersectional peonies, click the links to be redirected to planting tips on those types of peonies.

4. How to Plant Herbaceous Peonies

New herbaceous peony plants should be planted 2.5 to 3 feet apart on center, and approximately 1.5 feet from any edge. To plant, start by digging a hole one foot deep and one foot in diameter. Amend your soil, as mentioned below. Plant so that 0.5 to 2 inches of soil covers the top of the root—peonies should be shallower in warmer zones and planted deeper in colder zones. For example, zones 7-8 will plant peonies at 0.5 inches below the surface of the soil, zones 5-6 will plant at 1 inch, and zones 3-4 will plant at 2 inches. Planted too deeply, flowers will not develop; too shallowly, and the tops of the eyes will freeze, dry out, and die.

 
Planting Depth for Herbaceous Peonies based on Horticultural Zone
 

Planting depth matters! This follows the Goldilocks principle: not too deep and not too shallow. Too deep and it won’t flower. Too shallow, it will dry out and die. Press down on the soil to remove air pockets around the root, and lift the root as necessary to ensure proper depth. Check your peonies after the first hard rain to ensure proper depth. Watch for frost heaving in the first year after planting.

Improper Planting Depth for Herbaceous Peonies

Do not plant the crown above the soil; the plant can dry out, freeze, and die.

Wrong Herbaceous Peony Planting

This herbaceous peony has been planted WAY TOO HIGH. When the top of the root is exposed like this, the plant can dry out, freeze, and die.

Peonies in Pots

We do not recommend planting peonies in pots. Peonies do best when planted in the ground. Peonies are long-term perennials that will live for generations. Plant them in the ground. Even if you are in a temporary location, plant your peonies in the ground. See the section below on transplanting for more information. If you cannot plant in the ground, build raised beds. See the section below on building raised beds.

Amending the Soil

As your peony prefers to be planted and left in one location, it is worth taking the time to prepare the soil. Soil prep matters!

  • When planting new gardens, it is best to get your soil tested. Here is a link to the Rutgers site that we use in NJ. If you are in another state, please refer to your agricultural extension office for help.
  • You are looking to create a friable loam—a soft, rich, loose soil made of clay, sand, and compost. Peonies prefer a neutral pH of 6.5-7. Most often, you are looking to raise the pH. You can do this by adding lime and/or wood ash. Ask your agricultural extension for help.
  • Generally, most dirt is sand and clay. Be prepared to add compost. Sandy soils drain well, but leech nutrients; heavy clay soils drain poorly, but retain nutrients. Compost will help both increase drainage and retain moisture while providing nutrition.
    • In very sandy soil, top dress quarterly with a thin layer of compost, as nutrients will leech through the soil quickly.
    • Heavy clay soils often have drainage issues; while they will hold onto nutrients longer, they will also retain water. It is therefore important to improve drainage by adding compost and Greensand (or sand/rock dust) before planting. Additionally, top dressing with compost is recommended.
DSC01743b.jpg

Preparing a bed

With soil amendments in mind, you have the options to dig individual holes or prepare an entire bed. Both require the soil to be amended to a depth of one foot. In all cases, after planting, get in the habit of lightly top dressing with compost quarterly, more often in sandy soils.


5. Growth Expectations

The graphics below show growth expectations for herbaceous peonies. Peonies are very resilient and hardy, but do take time to establish and become mature flowering plants - they are worth the wait. They typically take three springs to mature. The first year is all about the root. You may get a flower, but typically the plant only produces green shoots. In rare occasions, the first year, the root may not produce any growth above ground. Herbaceous peonies will mature to 3 feet wide, with more flowers and more stems being produced each year.

Herbaceous Peony Growth Expectations

6. Staking Herbaceous Peonies

Most herbaceous peonies need to be staked. More staking is required for taller plants with heavier flower forms. Individual herbaceous peonies can be staked using peony grow-through rings, consisting of a gridded ring with attachable legs. Place the ring on the ground over the root in the fall after you have cut back your peonies. Let the plant grow through the grid in the spring. Raise the grid and attach legs when buds begin to form. Remove the grid after the flowers have faded to increase airflow and prevent disease. 

Staking Herbaceous Peonies Using Grow Through Rings
staking_8942b.jpg

When growing peonies en masse in a home garden, staking becomes more creative. This can be as simple as lines of steel stakes tied with heavyweight cotton twill, or grapevine poly monofilament attached to wooden posts, or as complex as grids made of bamboo attached to the top of steel legs or wooden posts. Below are photos of our Display Garden with steel stakes and wooden posts. We source our cotton twill in bulk from The Ribbon Factory. Our poly monofilament comes from Agtec. Peonies will often lean toward the side with more sun. In an open field in the northern hemisphere, this will be to the south. Staking peonies can reduce airflow through the plant, and thus promote disease. After peonies have bloomed, remove staking to increase airflow.

Staking Options for Herbaceous Peonies

Staking Options for Herbaceous Peonies

Metal Stakes for Herbaceous Peonies

Steel stakes in the spring. Cotton twill is added after the peonies grow taller

Black cotton twill can be seen in the foreground extending around the raised beds.

Wooden Posts Stake Herbaceous Peonies

Wooden posts in the spring.

Stake Rows of Herbaceous Peonies

Black cotton twill is added between posts, along the rows, to hold up the peonies.


In this chapter, we divide herbaceous peonies into subgroups. All peonies are beautiful, and it is hard to go wrong, but if you are looking to have more than a standard peony garden, this is your section. The history and hybridization of each peony influence how it behaves in the garden. The main groups of herbaceous peonies are as follows:

  • Classic Herbaceous Peonies (Lactiflora)
  • Fern Leaf (Tenuifolia hybrids)
  • Coral (Peregrina hybrids),
  • True Red (officinalis hybrids)
Herbaceous Peony Taxonomy Species

We will review the characteristics of each type below, with suggestions on how to choose cultivars. We will start with the largest group, the classic herbaceous peonies - the Lactifloras.

 

Using Classic Herbaceous Peonies (Lactiflora)

IMG_0798b.jpg
IMG_8481.JPG
lactiflora.jpg

The species Paeonia lactiflora is the quintessential peony that most people know and love. Native to Central and Eastern Asia, this peony is typically full, blousy, and fragrant. The species has been bred for centuries throughout the world, creating a massive variety of cultivars. The color ranges from snow white to deep burgundy (they tend not to produce good yellow, oranges, or true reds). These colors blend easily together, as they are all part of the magenta color spectrum, which makes it easy to create beautiful mixed plantings of different cultivars. One of the most impressive features of this group is that it includes every single flower form known to peonies. This aspect of the group's diversity leads to different behavior in the garden. The plants traditionally known to US gardeners were actually cultivated as cut flowers. Their long stems, with 5 flowers per stalk, create gigantic flowers that are ideal cut flowers. Unfortunately, this also makes the flowers so heavy that they often end up on the ground. There is, however, a whole set of peonies in this group that have been bred as landscape plants. These cultivars either have large, full flowers with incredibly sturdy stems, or they have lighter flowers with fewer petals that can remain upright. We find this difference in use incredibly important.

Herbaceous Peony Flower Forms

Flower Form

Flower form and peony height influence the behavior of herbaceous peony plants. Traditional peonies, such as those that can be found in your grandmother's garden, were often bred to have long stems and huge, full flowers. These enormous blossoms produce some of the best cut flowers available. As garden plants, these peonies tend to bend under the weight of the flowers and require staking to remain upright. Plants with these characteristics include those of chrysanthemum, rose, golden circle, crown, and hundred proliferate flower forms, and have innumerable dense petals. Lighter flower forms, such as anemone, single, and lotus, tend to float above the plant, requiring far less support. However, due to their smaller number of petals, these flowers do not last as long in the hot sun, nor are they the best cut flower varieties.

Plant Height

The shorter the plant, the fuller the leaf coverage at the bottom of the plant. The shorter the plant, the less staking the plant will need to support the flowers. The converse is also true: the taller the plant, the less leaf coverage at the bottom of the plant. The taller the plant, the more staking it will need to support the flowers.

Herbaceous Peony Plant Height
herbaceous_color.jpg

Flower Color

  • White, blush, and pink are all typically very fragrant. We offer many varieties of white peonies for sale. We also have a broad selection of pink peonies for sale.
  • Magenta is often referred to as red in peony culture, but actually ranges from very dark pink to purple-red and does not include true red cultivars.
  • Merlot red peonies are occasionally classified as black; these are the darkest peonies
  • Multi colored peonies have a combination of two or more distinct colors. Typically, the alternate color is yellow, but it is occasionally white.
  • Green peonies are less common.
  • Yellow herbaceous peonies are uncommon. They tend to be weak and slow-growing. Strong yellows exist in intersectional and tree peonies. Cream colored peonies are often classified as yellow but are not actually yellow in color.
  • True red only exists in the herbaceous peony hybrids, created by crossing different parent species.
  • Coral only exists in the herbaceous peony hybrids, created by crossing different parent species. They often fade to cream as they open. Tend to have strong stems

Bloom Time

  • The bloom times listed in our catalog are relative to other herbaceous peonies. All herbaceous peonies will bloom within a 4-week window. Each individual plant will bloom for 7-10 days within that period. The timing of this period is based on your location. Here in NJ, our herbaceous peony bloom is typically from around May 10 to June 10. South of here will have an earlier bloom, and north will have a later bloom.
  • The lactiflora group will have bloom times that range from early to late. Very early cultivars are typically hybrids; these are discussed below.
 

Using Fern Leaf Herbaceous Peonies

Fern leaf peonies are a subset of herbaceous peonies that are hybrids of the peony species Tenuifolia. This species is known for its vibrant red single flower, incredibly slender fern-like leaves, short stature, and very early bloom time. Tenuifolia is native to southeast Europe in dry, rocky, sandy soil, making it well-suited for rock gardens. Hybrids of this species tend to have a leaf that is not quite as dissected as Tenuifolia but still carries some of this fern-like appearance. Examples are Early Scout, Merry Mayshine, Little Ted gem, and Smouthii. The species Tenuifolia should be planted in well-draining sandy soil, similar to that of a rock garden. In dry climates, the plant may go dormant earlier than other peonies. The hybrids of Tenuifolia can be planted much like traditional herbaceous peonies. Note, however, that they will present a different leaf appearance, will tend to bloom earlier, and will be slightly shorter than their Lactiflora cousins.

IMG_0945.jpg

Hybrids are crosses between two species. The resulting plant has characteristics of both parent plants.

Fern Leaf Herbaceous Hybrids
IMG_2896.jpg
Teunifolia hybrid

Teunifolia hybrid

 

Using Coral Herbaceous Peonies

Coral peonies are a special subset of herbaceous peonies that are actually hybrids, or crosses, between two different herbaceous peonies, peregrina & lactiflora. This cross has produced unique colors not often found in traditional peonies. The unique characteristics of these hybrids are that they have just one flower on a rather sturdy stem. This makes them excellent cut flowers and amazing garden plants as they remain upright in the garden without staking. They also bloom before traditional herbaceous peonies, making them a great way to extend your peony bloom. Live in the south? This early bloom time is also perfect for your climate! Coral herbaceous peonies are one of our favorite types of peonies to plant en masse. Their strong flower stems hold the flowers high above the plants in waves of coral to cream. The color of this subset of herbaceous peonies changes dramatically as they open - as you can see in the above picture of Coral Charm. The flowers begin as a deep coral bud and then fade to cream. When planted in a large group, these waves of color are simply breathtaking.

IMG_8917b.jpg
coral_design.jpg
coral_design2.jpg
 

Using True Red Herbaceous Peonies

True red can be hard to come by in peonies. Often, you think you have found it, and the plant turns out to be magenta. There is a wonderful set of herbaceous hybrids, similar to the coral peonies, that produce outstanding true red cultivars. These flowers tend to be simpler in form. They either have bright contrasting yellow centers or the spiky inner petals known as an anemone flower form. These cultivars stand upright in the garden without staking, having light flowers on sturdy stems. They are the perfect plants to add some pop to the garden. Like coral peonies, these cultivars look especially dramatic when planted in large groups. This can be a group of all one cultivar or of multiple cultivars all in this true red range. For a stunning look, we suggest planting a row of traditional white herbaceous peonies, such as festiva maxima, in the back with a row of one of the true red herbaceous peonies in the front. This combination is sure to impress.

truered_design.jpg
red_9717b.jpg

8. Growing Herbaceous Peonies in the South US

Click the image to view it larger.

Herbaceous peonies grow well in horticultural zones 3-8. If you are in the northern, central, or northwest sections of the United States, choose your peonies with abandon. All peonies will grow well in your garden. Special considerations should be taken for zone 8 in the southern United States, where you experience early spring heat. Unsure of your horticultural zone? Click here to go to the USDA website, where you can enter your zip code to determine your zone. Please note that all herbaceous peonies grow well in the Pacific Northwest, despite the warmer zones along the coast. That area does not typically get the early spring heat that can make it important to choose your herbaceous peonies carefully, as in the south. These tips may help enhance your bloom in the Southern part of the United States, in herbaceous Zone 8:

  1. Choose plants with very early or early bloom times. Choose mid-late-blooming cultivars with care, and avoid all late-blooming cultivars. You can view our list of recommended catalogs in our Herbaceous Peony 2026 Spring Catalog.
  2. Cover the eyes on the roots with only half an inch of soil, and never ever mulch. Be careful not to plant the top of the cultivars too deeply or not deeply enough - too deep and they won’t flower, not deep enough and they may dehydrate and die.
  3. If you experience an especially warm winter, you may consider icing your peonies from late-December through mid-February. The ice acts as snow and provides winter chill if done routinely. The video above gives a few tips on how to ice peonies.
  4. Although herbaceous peonies don’t typically thrive in Zone 9, if you’ve moved south and are missing this part of your northern garden, try these icing tips as well. Please note that this is experimental and may not work in your area. Also consider Intersectional Peonies as they grow well in Zone 9.

9. Herbaceous Peony Routine Maintenance

SPRING

  • Garden Cleanup
  • Watch for Spring Frosts
  • Stake Your Peonies
  • Feed as Shoots Emerge
  • Water When Necessary
  • Weed Around Peonies
  • Watch for the Onset of Botrytis

* Find details on all below

SUMMER

  • Deadhead After the Bloom - Optional
  • Feed After the Bloom
  • Water When Necessary
  • Weed Around Peonies
  • Watch for Powdery Mildew and other Diseases

FALL

  • Water When Necessary
  • Watch for Powdery Mildew and other Diseases
  • Cut Back Your Herbaceous Peonies
  • Garden Cleanup
  • Feed Before Winter

Garden Cleanup

  • Clean up the area around your peonies to increase air flow and reduce competition from weeds and weed seeds (see below for details on weeding)
  • Add compost and other soil amendments at the drip line to nourish your peonies (see below for details on feeding)
  • Check the planting depth of your peonies. The crowns should remain 0.5 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil, depending on your horticultural zone (see above for details on planting depth).
  • It is best to cut back your herbaceous peonies in the fall (see below for details) but if you missed doing this, be sure to remove the old dead stems in the spring before new shoots emerge.
  • If your peonies had diseases last year, treat them in the spring to prevent reinfection.

Spring Frosts

Peonies are incredibly cold-hardy plants. It is rare that light frost will damage plants or flower buds. More severe and prolonged frosts (multiple nights and temperatures in the teens) may freeze the buds and prevent the plants from flowering. If you anticipate a hard or prolonged frost after your peonies have sprouted, you can protect your plants by covering them. Make sure the covering does not touch the plants, as this may do more harm than good. A hard freeze turns new shoots to ice. They lose their turgor pressure and can look limp. After they thaw, they perk back up. Do not touch your peonies when they are frozen, as this will cause them to break. Wait until after they have warmed back up.

frost_0969b.jpg

Staking

See our section on staking above.

Feeding Peonies

 

Planted in full sun with rich soil and great drainage, herbaceous peonies can thrive almost entirely on their own as the nutrient cycle is self-sustaining. Nonetheless, a little food will help keep your peonies healthy and floriferous. Feed lightly three times a year: in the fall when you clean up your garden and prepare plants for winter, in early spring just as shoots emerge, and again in early summer after plants have bloomed. Testing your soil periodically will help you know what nutrients are needed most. Here is a link to the Rutgers site that we use in NJ. If you are in another state, please refer to your agricultural extension office for help.

  • Compost: At our peony farm, we primarily use locally-sourced compost, Neptune’s Harvest Fish and Seaweed Emulsion, and OMRI-certified worm castings. When applying compost, thin layers are better than thick. Remember to apply at the drip line and not over the center of the plant as applying on the root will bury the plant too deeply and eventually prevent flowering.
  • Foliar Feeds: know that plants also absorb nutrients through their leaf surfaces. Liquid fertilizers, such as Neptune's Harvest Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer or Nature’s Source plant food. We recommend foliar feeding in early spring just before peonies set their buds.
  • Worm Castings: When first planting and to reinvigorate a garden after long-term neglect, we recommend using worm castings as an extra boost. It is garden gold, and a little goes a long way.

If you choose to use synthetic or partially synthetic fertilizers, choose one that is well-balanced and releases nutrients at a slow rate. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is best for spring and summer, and a 5-10-10 is best for fall.

Watering Peonies

Peonies like heavy infrequent soakings; when irrigation is necessary, consider drip lines instead of overhead sprinkler systems. During the first growing season after planting a new peony, ensure it gets a good soaking at least once a week, especially in the heat of summer. Weekly soakings keep the plant from being stressed by drought as it develops its fibrous root system. However, remember that peonies do not like wet feet. Be careful not to overwater. Overwatering or the use of foliar/overhead sprinkler systems can cause disease. Your peony should be planted in well-draining soil so that the water does not pool around the plant. Established peonies require less supplemental watering but still benefit from heavy infrequent soakings, especially in times of drought and in the heat of summer. Herbaceous leaves should stay green until fall. If leaves turn brown prematurely, it is typically a sign of insufficient water. Leaves and stems turning black, having black splotches, or being covered in white powder are indicative of disease.

Herbaceous Peony Drought

Herbaceous Peony Drought

Drought or dog pee can cause your leaves to turn brown prematurely.

Herbaceous Peony Fall Color

Peony fall color.

Do Not Add Mulch or Use Weed Suppressants

Weeding Herbaceous Peonies

Keep the center of your plants weed-free. Weeds will suppress growth.

Weed Suppression Herbaceous Peonies

A removable cloth can be rolled out to suppress weeds and rolled back to allow the soil to breathe.

Do not mulch your herbaceous peonies! Mulch will bury the crown of the peony too deeply and eventually cause it not to flower. If you have added mulch over time, it is best to check the depth of your peonies and remove any mulch that covers the plant. Instead, weed around your peonies. The shade from mature peonies will act as a weed suppressant, but you will need to keep the area to the edge of the dripline free of weeds and grass. You can underplant your peonies with spring bulbs and ground covers, like miniature daffodils, crocus, and lily of the valley. They bloom before peonies, don't compete with them, and provide a nice groundcover that reduces weeds. As your groundcover matures, make sure to keep the base of each peony clear to discourage competition. Be careful not to plant anything large or that is particularly invasive around your peonies, or anything that will compete with your peonies and cause them to suffer. A caution about herbicides and drift: when herbicides are used to treat one area of the garden, they can run off through the groundwater or spread in the wind and damage peony plants.

Watch for Disease

View our section on disease below.

Deadheading Peonies

Deadheading Herbaceous Peonies
deadhead_0308.jpg

Deadheading is often done for aesthetic reasons. However, if you have peonies that don’t shed their petals, it is important to deadhead or remove the petals by hand as any remaining petals can allow various fungi to take hold. If you have had exceptionally wet weather, this becomes even more important. When deadheading, cut the stem of the herbaceous peony back to the first set of true compound leaves. If you are interested in collecting and propagating seeds, you should not deadhead (remove petals by hand without cutting the stem or removing the seedpod). Note that not all peonies produce viable seeds. Please see the section below on Propagating Peonies for information on what viable seeds look like.

When to Cut Back Herbaceous Peonies

Fall Care Cut Back herbaceous Peonies
How Much to Cut Herbaceous Peonies in the Fall
When to Cut Herbaceous Peonies in the Fall

Herbaceous peonies should be cut to the ground in early fall. Exactly when to do this depends on how your peonies are looking. If the leaves are still healthy and shiny, leave them for now. If they are looking lackluster, are dotted with brown spots, have turned brown, or are covered in a white mold, cut them to the ground now to remove any disease from the garden. (If you are interested in learning more about the diseases that cause these issues, click the links in the last sentence.) You want to keep leaves as long as you can, but as the leaves fade or show signs of disease they are no longer photosynthesizing sunlight into sugar and should be removed. Early decline is common in newly planted peonies. They are not dead, they just fade early. Cut back your herbaceous peony stems so they are two to three inches above the ground and throw away the leaves. Leaves should not be composted in your home garden compost because it does not get hot enough to kill fungal spores and bacteria that may be on your peony leaves.

CAUTION: Only cut back your herbaceous peonies. Do not cut back your tree peonies! They have a woody structure that must remain intact. See our tree peony care page for details.

Additional Fall Care (see above for even more details)

  • Clean up the area around your peonies to increase air flow and reduce weeds and weed seeds.
  • Add compost and other soil amendments at the drip line to nourish your peonies through the winter.
  • Check the planting depth of your peonies. The crowns should remain 0.5 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil, depending on your horticultural zone.
  • Ensure your peonies have sufficient water, but not too much water. If your peonies have turned brown early, this can be a sign of dehydration. Ensure your peony roots receive sufficient water throughout the rest of the season and plan ahead for next year. Peonies like heavy, infrequent soakings. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause disease.

10. Cut Flowers

Herbaceous peonies make some of the best cut flowers available. With some practice, they can be cut and stored for months.

When to Cut

If you want to use your peonies as cut flowers, cut them before the buds fully open when the green covering on the bud, the sepal, begins to lift. This time is between when the bud feels like a marble and when it feels like a marshmallow. If you cut too early, they won't open; if you cut too late, they won't keep. This is not an exact science; each individual cultivar is slightly different - some can be cut earlier than others, but we have found that sepal lift is the most reliable indicator of when to cut. The time between when it is too early to cut and when they have passed the optimal time can be short on hot days. Keep a careful eye on your plants and cut often. Bringing the flowers inside at this point allows them to open at a slower rate, as they are opening in the cool of your house instead of the heat of the garden. It also allows for longer-term storage of your peony cut flowers. See more on storage and cutting below.

When to cut herbaceous peony cut flowers

Arrow shows sepal lift, the best indication of when to cut.

Where and How Much to Cut

When cutting plants of any type, it is important to never cut off more than a third of the greenery, as any more than this will have detrimental effects on the plant. Following the logic of the rule of thirds, you can take a higher number of flowers with short stems than you can flowers with long stems. When cutting, we try to leave as many of the leaves on the plant as possible to ensure that the plant can store enough energy through photosynthesis that it can produce healthy flowers the following year. Different cultivars will have slightly different stem lengths, as some produce flowers right above the greenery while others have flowers that tower a few feet above the plant.

The diagram below outlines how to get the maximum number of flowers, including the most with long stems (figure C).

Peony cut flowers how many to cut

Storing Your Cut Peonies

Cut peonies are fantastic in that they can be stored in refrigeration for weeks or months and shipped around the world without water. One of the most important steps in this process is to cut them at the optimal time, see the section above for details. You will also need to remove the lower leaves on the flowers. It is best to only keep the leaves that you need for your desired aesthetic. Any additional leaves will cause the bud to dehydrate. They are also often the source of mold. Peonies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months in the bud stage. Place them in a vase with water, protected by a flower sleeve, with only the stems (not leaves) in the water - continually change out the water, making sure that the water stays clean, clear, and free of mold. They can also be stored in the refrigerator without water, placed on their side, wrapped in newspaper for a few weeks. They will rehydrate when placed in water. Note that the flowers will dehydrate in a frost-free refrigerator; flowers should be stored in an old-fashioned refrigerator or a floral refrigerator. On both methods, watch for any mold or fungus and remove these portions as soon as they are spotted. Note that peonies stored for a long period of time will open faster and not last as long. It takes practice to store peonies successfully, so try it this year and see how long you can keep your peonies. We do not use any flower food in our bouquets and instead focus on changing the water frequently to keep it clean, clear, and free of mold.

herbaceous peony cut flowers

Peony cut flowers before the leaves have been removed. It is best to only keep the leaves that you need for your desired aesthetic. Any additional leaves will cause the bud to dehydrate. They are also often the source for mold.

Peony cut flowers with the leaves removed provide optimal longevity.

Ants

If you are worried about ants when bringing cut flowers into the house, simply cut the flowers when the buds are still closed, making it easy to shake off the ants. Also, if you cut your flowers in the early morning or evening, there are often fewer ants on the buds.

Ants and peonies
How to deal with ants on peonies

Lactiflora Growth and Cut Flowers

There are many different species of herbaceous peonies. One such type that is widely cultivated is the Lactiflora Peony. Varieties that have strong Lactiflora parentage will typically have five flowers per stem, instead of a single stem like those with strong Officianalis parentage. Simply put, Lactiflora species peonies are native to Central China, while Officinalis peonies are native to Western Europe and thus have different growth characteristics. When using peonies with strong Lactiflora parentage, many commercial cut flower growers will sell the center flower with a long stem for a higher price and sell the side buds with a slightly shorter stem for a reduced price. They don't pinch the buds of the side flowers, as this does not increase the size of the center bud and only serves to reduce their harvest.

Lactiflora stems

These are Lactiflora stems.

Herbaceous Hybrids often have one flower per stem

Herbaceous hybrids often have one flower per stem.


11. Disease, Insects, and Other Issues

Peonies are very resilient plants that typically thrive and grow without incident. However, every once in a while, a fungus or virus may take hold and impact the health of your peony plants. Although infections generally start in early spring, they often go unnoticed until later in the summer. Left unchecked, these diseases can do real damage to your peonies.

Powdery Mildew - Erysiphales (Fungus)

herbaceous peony Powdery Mildew Erysiphales Fungus
disease_00959.jpg

If you are experiencing a white powder-like covering on the leaves of your peony, you have powdery mildew in your garden.

  • SYMPTOMS: Leaves turn white. Onset is in late June through September. It is not fatal, and tree peonies are less prone than herbaceous or intersectional peonies to this fungus. In some years, powdery mildew is worse than in others. It can infect plants when there are hot days, high humidity, and cool nights. Once the plant is infected, there are virtually no sprays or oils that will completely rid the plant of powdery mildew this year. However, there are some preventative remedies to keep your plants from getting powdery mildew in the coming years.
  • TESTING: We encourage you to get your plants tested so you know exactly what you are dealing with. Send a sample to the agricultural university’s plant diagnostic center in your state for laboratory diagnosis and treatment recommendations. At our peony farm, we use:
  • OUTLOOK: Considered more unsightly than harmful in peonies.
  • TREATMENT: Bacillus subtilis to boost plant's natural defenses; neem oil or other horticultural oils after the leaves have formed; baking soda spray (1t baking soda, 1qt. water and a few drops of liquid soap) on the soil in early spring and on the plant itself in the summer; rhubarb leaf tea; cornmeal as a soil amendment; or mixed as a spray; products containing sulfur, or a biofungicide recommended to treat powdery mildew on peonies;. All pesticides should be used according to package directions, and remedies should be tried on portions of the plant prior to making large-scale applications. Another good natural preventative remedy is to regularly spray a solution of 30% milk to 70% water on your plants on sunny days. This helps not only peonies, but all plants susceptible to powdery mildew.
  • PREVENTION: Healthy plants are less susceptible to disease. Peonies require the proper amount of sun, nutritious soil, good air circulation, and the right amount of water. Encourage good air circulation by spacing peonies at least 3 feet apart and by keeping the base of each plant clean and free of weeds. Water only as needed and always in the morning using drip irrigation; do not use overhead irrigation and avoid watering at night. Never plant peonies in low-lying areas where the soil floods. Amend soils prior to planting to ensure good drainage and proper nutrition. Use compost to maintain nutritious soil. Keep a close eye on your peony plants, especially during early spring rains when fungi and viruses begin to take hold.

Botrytis - Botrytis paeoniae (Fungus)

Herbaceous Peony Botrytis Botrytis paeoniae Fungus
disease_9747.jpg
  • SYMPTOMS: Stalks wilt and die, buds turn black. Onset is typically in early spring but can be at any time when temperatures remain below 70 degrees. Botrytis is especially prevalent when the weather is cool, wet, and humid. Botrytis is common and, when seen in your garden, can persist for years through spores in the soil.
  • TESTING: When the cause of a problem is not clear, sending a sample to your state's agricultural university plant diagnostic center is the most reliable way to get answers. A laboratory diagnosis identifies the specific pathogen involved and comes with treatment recommendations grounded in what your plants are actually dealing with rather than general advice. We use:
  • OUTLOOK: Botrytis is easy to treat but can kill peonies and other plants when not treated, so it is especially important to pay attention to signs of the fungus.
  • TREATMENT: At the first sign of disease, remove the affected portions of the plant immediately using clean pruners. Dip the blades into a 10% bleach solution between every cut, or use Clorox wipes as an alternative, to make sure the cutting tool does not carry the problem from one part of the plant to another. Dispose of everything you remove in the trash rather than the compost pile, where disease can survive and spread to other parts of the garden. A more aggressive option would be to use systemic fungicide labeled for use on peonies. The cooperative extension service of New Jersey recommends Ferban and Manebrom. Griffin Greenhouse Supply recommends products including Cease, Daconil, Medallion, and Veranda-O. Follow label instructions carefully and test fungicides on one plant before making large-scale applications. Continue to treat according to the label instructions as the disease persists. There are OMRI-approved fungicides for the treatment of botrytis.
  • PREVENTION: Strong, healthy peonies begin with decisions made before planting, not after problems appear. Selecting a site with full sun, preparing soil for both drainage and fertility, and planning spacing that allows air to move freely through the planting are all preventive measures that reduce disease pressure across the entire growing season. Three feet between plants is the minimum spacing needed for adequate airflow, and the ground around each plant should stay clear of weeds and organic debris that hold moisture against the crown. Water when the plant needs it and not before, always at ground level in the morning using drip irrigation, and never by any method that wets the leaves or runs into the evening hours. Low spots in the garden where rainwater collects are unsuitable for peonies, regardless of any other conditions present. Incorporate compost into the planting bed to establish good soil structure and nutrition from the start, and replenish it over time to maintain fertility. The weeks of early spring, when rain is frequent and temperatures are still cool, are the period when fungal and viral problems are most likely to develop, so monitor plants closely during that window.

Peony Blotch/Red Spot/Measles - Cladosporium paeoniae (Fungus)

Herbaceous Peony Peony Blotch Red Spot Measles Cladosporium paeoniae Fungus
  • SYMPTOMS: Small circular spots begin to appear in spring just before the plants flower. The spots will increase in size and are not often detected until mid-summer. If left unchecked, spots can eventually cover the whole plant.
  • TESTING: Accurate identification is the first step toward effective treatment, and a laboratory diagnosis removes any uncertainty about what you are seeing. Your state's agricultural university runs a plant diagnostic center that accepts samples from home gardeners and returns confirmed findings along with specific treatment recommendations based on the actual pathogen involved. We recommend:
  • OUTLOOK: Does not immediately kill the plant but successive years of the fungal disease will impact the health of the plant.
  • TREATMENT: When noticed, cut off diseased portions of the plant, dipping the pruners in a 10% solution of bleach (or use Clorox wipes) between each cut to ensure the disease does not spread. Clean up all debris around the plants, and throw all of this matter away - do not compost. Use a fungicide that is intended for Peony Blotch on peonies, apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • PREVENTION: The foundation of disease prevention in peonies is a growing environment that gives the plant everything it needs to stay strong. Full sun, well-prepared soil, careful watering, and room for air to move around each plant reduce the conditions that pathogens depend on to take hold. Plant with at least three feet between each peony, and keep the ground around the base clear of weeds and fallen debris throughout the growing season. Water at the soil level in the morning using drip irrigation, and never use overhead watering or water late in the day when moisture cannot evaporate before nightfall. Choose planting sites carefully and avoid any area where standing water collects after heavy rain. Before planting, work the soil thoroughly to improve both drainage and fertility, and add compost to establish a nutritional base that supports long-term plant health. Once the season gets underway, keep a close watch on foliage during the wet weeks of early spring, when the combination of cool temperatures and consistent moisture gives fungi and viruses their best opportunity to spread.

Phytophthora Blight - Phytophthora cactorum (Fungus)

Phytophthora Blight Phytophthora cactorum Fungus

Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Bugwood.org

Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Bugwood.org

  • SYMPTOMS: Phytophthora blight is a soil-borne fungus. The stems at the base of the plant will begin to darken and then wilt and die. Leaves may appear drought-stressed. The entire plant may rot, making it easy to pull from the ground. The fungus can survive in the soil for years as long as moist conditions persist. Can be spread by garden tools and contaminated soil. Symptoms are often more evident during periods of low rainfall, making it easy to confuse the onset of this disease with drought.
  • TESTING: Taking the guesswork out of disease identification is always worth the effort. Every state has a plant diagnostic center affiliated with its agricultural university where you can send a sample and receive a confirmed laboratory diagnosis along with treatment recommendations tailored to what your plants are actually facing. We use:
  • OUTLOOK: Phytophthora can kill peonies and other plants.
  • TREATMENT: When noticed, cut off diseased portions of the plant, dipping the pruners in a 10% solution of bleach (or use Clorox wipes) between each cut to ensure the disease does not spread. Clean up all debris around the plants, and throw all of this matter away - do not compost. Rutgers Diagnostic Lab notes that the fungicide Subdue can be used to treat Phytophthora on peonies, and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to treat both the plant and the soil. Improve soil drainage and prevent water from pooling near plants.
  • PREVENTION: A peony's ability to resist disease is directly tied to the quality of its growing conditions. Sun exposure, soil fertility, water management, and airflow all play a role, and getting all four right from the start is the most effective disease prevention available. Keep plants spaced at least three feet apart so air moves freely between them, and clear weeds and debris from the base of each plant throughout the season. When watering is necessary, do it at the root level in the morning with drip irrigation and avoid any method that wets the foliage, particularly in the evening. Site selection matters as well: areas where water pools after rain are poor choices for peonies, regardless of how well the soil is otherwise prepared. Work compost into the bed before planting to build fertility and improve drainage, and maintain that organic matter over time to keep the soil in good condition. Pay closest attention to your plants in early spring, when cool, wet weather creates the conditions that fungi and viruses need to establish.

Sclerotinia Rot/Southern Blight (Fungus)

Peony Sclerotinia Rot Southern Blight Fungus

Photo: Virginia Tech Learning Resources Center , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

Photo: Virginia Tech Learning Resources Center , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

  • SYMPTOMS: Sclerotinia Rot is a soil-borne fungus. Rot begins at the base of the plant with water-soaked stem lesions. Leaves will turn yellow and die. During times of high humidity, a white cotton-like fungus spreads around the base of the plant and the soil. The fungal fruiting bodies appear like small collections of mustard seeds on the ground near the base of the plant. They may eventually form a crust on the soil.
  • TESTING: Before treating any disease, knowing exactly what you are dealing with will produce better results than guessing. Most states have a plant diagnostic center through their agricultural university, and sending a sample there will get you a laboratory diagnosis along with treatment recommendations specific to what your plants are actually showing. We use:
  • OUTLOOK: Sclerotina can kill peonies and other plants.
  • TREATMENT: For sclerotinia rot specifically, the Rutgers Diagnostic Lab recommends Heritage or Headway as effective treatments. Follow the manufacturer's directions precisely and apply to both the plant and the surrounding soil, not the foliage alone. If treatment does not resolve the problem, remove the affected plants along with the soil immediately surrounding them and dispose of everything away from the garden. Do not add diseased material to a compost pile. Sterilize any tools that came into contact with the affected area before using them elsewhere in the garden. Lay clear plastic over the exposed soil and leave it in place for two to three months during the hottest part of summer, allowing heat to build up and address remaining pathogens in the ground. Once that period has passed, improve drainage in the area before doing anything else, then leave the soil fallow for a full season before considering replanting.
  • PREVENTION: Disease resistance in peonies starts with the conditions you create before the plant goes into the ground. Good drainage, nutritious soil, adequate sun, and consistent air movement around each plant are the four factors that determine how well a peony holds up across the growing season. Space plants a minimum of three feet apart to keep air circulating freely through the foliage, and remove weeds and debris from the base of each plant regularly. Water at the root level in the morning using drip irrigation, never overhead, and never in the evening when moisture sits on the foliage overnight. Avoid low-lying areas where water collects after rain, as saturated soil is one of the most common causes of root and crown disease in peonies. Prepare the soil thoroughly before planting by amending for drainage and fertility, and incorporate compost to build long-term nutritional quality. During early spring, when wet weather creates ideal conditions for fungal and viral spread, check plants frequently and address any early signs of trouble before they take hold.

Viral Diseases

Peonies are also susceptible to a small number of viruses, including peony ringspot virus, leaf curl, Le Moine disease, and the mosaic virus. These are rare, difficult to cure, and it is generally recommended to remove infected plants from your garden.

  • SYMPTOMS: Poor growth and stunted growth. Leaves will have a mottled/mosaic appearance. Portions of the leaves can turn yellow and die. Can be spread by insects or tools.
  • TESTING: To ensure an accurate identification of any issues, we highly recommend professional testing. For a precise laboratory diagnosis and specific treatment advice, please submit a sample to your state agricultural university's plant diagnostic center.
  • We recommend and use:
  • OUTLOOK: Viral diseases can kill peonies and other plants. Remove and dispose of infected plants; do not compost.
  • PREVENTION: Vigorous peonies possess a natural resistance to illness. To keep them thriving, provide the necessary balance of sunlight, rich soil, consistent air flow, and appropriate hydration. Maintaining at least 3 feet of space between each plant and keeping the base clear of weeds will significantly improve air circulation. When watering is required, utilize drip irrigation during the morning hours, making sure to avoid both nighttime watering and overhead systems. It is vital to avoid planting in flood-prone, low-lying spots. Before you begin planting, prepare the site by amending the soil to ensure it is both well-draining and nutrient-rich, using compost as a primary amendment. Monitor your peonies closely, particularly as fungi and viruses are most likely to emerge during the wet conditions of early spring.

Peonies Turning Brown

Herbaceous Peony Turn Brown

All herbaceous peonies turn brown and die back in the fall. If your peonies have turned brown in the summer, this can be a sign of dehydration. Ensure your peony roots receive sufficient water throughout the rest of the season and plan ahead for next year. Peonies like heavy, infrequent soakings. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause disease. Click here for more information on watering your peonies. Another common cause of your peonies turning brown prematurely can be dog pee. Plants along thoroughfares or on corners can turn into marking posts for the local dog population; this can cause your peonies to suffer or die.  Also consider pesticide drift. If you, or your neighbor, have treated your lawn or garden with any herbicides, these could have drifted and affected your peonies. We have had countless customers send their peonies away to their local agricultural extension for fungal analysis, only to find that the herbicide was the culprit.

Peonies Not Blooming

Why herbaceous peony not bloom flower

If your peonies have stopped blooming, planting depth is often a factor.

Consider loss of sunlight and overcrowding by other plants.

Peonies take time to become established. It is normal for a newly planted peony not to bloom the first year or two after planting. Peonies follow the well-known perennial truisms: first year sleep, second year creep, third year leap, or first year roots, second year shoots, third year flowers. They are well worth the wait. If you have old, established peonies that have beautiful green leaves and no flowers, it is often a problem with planting depth. This can be due to several reasons, such as mulching or a shift in the soil in the garden. Peonies are very sensitive to planting depth. If the plant becomes too deep, as it does when mulched, the shoots (called eyes) that form at the top of the root (the crown) do not get their proper "winter chill" and cannot form flower buds. This lack of winter chill is why peonies do not grow in places such as Florida or Southern California. If you have peonies that are not blooming, check the depth of your plant by delicately moving a bit of the soil from the top portion of the plant, being careful not to break off the delicate pink eyes. The top of the root should be from 0.5 to 1.5 inches below the surface of the soil. For details on the exact planting depth for your area, see the Planting section. If you find your peony to be too deep, it will need to be lifted. Transplanting is best done in the fall; moving it in the fall will also ensure that it gets the proper winter chill in the following season. Note that the first year after it is transplanted, it may not bloom as peonies take a year to recover from being transplanted. Don't worry, they are well worth the wait and will live for hundreds of years.

Another possibility that should not be ruled out is the amount of sunlight. Over time, surrounding trees and shrubs can shade out your peonies, resulting in fewer and fewer flowers. The more sun you have, the more flowers you will get. If your buds were fully formed and then turned brown before they opened, this could be a sign of botrytis, or it can just be a sign of exceptionally wet weather. If you have had exceptionally wet weather, be sure to deadhead all of your peonies once they have bloomed and remove all flower petals. Any remaining petals can stick to the leaves and allow various fungi to take hold. We have found that late-blooming herbaceous peonies are more susceptible to not opening in times of extreme wetness or drought than earlier-blooming peonies. If the overall health of your plant is declining, check planting depth, the amount of water, competition of roots, depletion of nutrients in the soil, or note if the area has flooded recently. It may be time to transplant your peony to a new location. Wet soil is a common factor in unhealthy peonies. It is possible to divide your peony when you transplant it by following the instructions below. Plant divided roots in a new section of the garden so the soil in the former location can recover.

Bud-Blast

Herbaceous peony bud blast black
 

A wide variety of stressors can prevent peony buds from opening. This can include having immature plants, plants being buried too deeply, poor soil, excessive mulch, excessive moisture, not enough sun, and early spring frosts. Examine all of these factors and adjust as you can. A good place to start is to check the depth of your peony and adjust if necessary, see the section above on Planting for more information on depth.

Chafer Beetles

Peony Chafer beetle
 
  • SYMPTOMS: Peony flowers are being eaten. Chafer beetles look similar to Japanese beetles. They can be removed by hand or killed with almost any insecticide. Neem oil is an organic option; read the product label for more detailed instructions. Ants are a natural predator and chase away chafer beetles.

Ants on Peonies

Ants on peonies
53b_ants.jpg

We have heard for generations that ants are necessary for peonies to flower. This is only part of the whole story. Peonies, as noted above, are attacked by chafer beetles which damage the buds and prevent peonies from flowering. Ants have evolved as the natural predator. Peonies secrete a sweet nectar, ants are fed by this nectar and in return chase away the chafer beetles.

To prevent bringing in ants when you cut your peony flowers, cut them when they are still in bud. This also increases the longevity of your cut flowers, as they open more slowly in the cool of your house than in the heat of the outdoors.


12. Transplanting Herbaceous Peonies

Digging transplanting herbaceous peonies
tansplant_01024.jpg

If you are lucky enough to have mature peonies in your garden and they are blooming beautifully, first consider leaving them where they are, as peonies will sulk for a year or two after they are transplanted.

Transplanting - Option A - You have time and can do it the ideal way:

  • The best time to transplant your peonies is in the fall when the plants are dormant.
  • It is best to dig up your plants and replant them as soon as possible. Before you start digging up your peonies, prepare the new locations as mentioned in our Planting section.
  • Begin by cutting back the stems as you would do in fall cleanup.
  • We encourage you to divide the peony before replanting. Count the stems before digging to get even more out of your peony. Plan ahead and pre-dig your holes-know that for every three to five stems, you can have approximately one new peony. See details on propagating/dividing just below.
  • To dig your peonies, lift them using a large garden fork. Begin at least eight inches from the base of the stem. Work your way around the plant and gently pry it from the ground. The roots are brittle and can easily be broken. Take care and try not to break the roots.
  • Any time peonies are transplanted or divided, they take a few years to return to their previous grandeur. Watch for frost heaving in the winter and make sure they get adequate water during the growing season.

Transplanting - Option B - You are moving and have to do it now; timing is not on your side.

  • Moving is a strenuous process. If you are making the effort to take your peonies with you, we want to help you get the most out of your legacy peonies
  • Seasonal Tips:
    • Fall: If you move in fall, it is a good time to dig and divide. If you have time to dig your peonies from your old home and create a fabulous new garden in your new home, go for it! You amaze us! But more often than not, other things take precedent and you need a way to store your peonies until you can plant them properly. Read on for how to store them.
    • Spring or Summer: If you move in the spring or summer, then it is not a good time to dig or divide your peonies. If you can anticipate your move, you can dig your peonies the previous fall and store them as mentioned below. If it is very early spring and your peonies have not yet broken dormancy, then you can treat them as though you are digging them in the fall. If you don’t have either of these luxuries,  then dig them when you can dig them, knowing they will be a bit more knocked back by missing the growing season of spring or summer. Peonies are resilient. The tops of your plants may die back; this is ok. You can also cut them back if that is easier for moving. See below for how to store them until fall when you can divide and plant them properly.
    • Winter: If you are moving in winter, in northern regions, you need to plan ahead and pre-dig your peonies so they aren’t frozen in the ground. See below for how to store them. If you missed this window, you will need to make arrangements to dig your peonies once the ground thaws. Try to dig them as early as possible in the spring before they break dormancy (before the crocus start to bloom). If you catch them before they start growing, then you can treat them like you are digging and dividing in the fall. If this timing turns out to be late spring, see above.
  • How to store your peonies:
    • Peonies can be held in 15-20 gallon plastic pots, bulb crates, or large fabric pots for a season or two. This is not a forever solution; this is just to get you through. If you have a lot of peonies, raised beds could be your best storage solution. Click here for how to build raised beds.
    • Fill your pots with high-quality potting soil or peat moss. Good drainage is essential! Do not use soil from the ground; your peonies will rot and die.
    • Remove as much of the original soil from around the peony as possible and put the entire plant in a pot. Cover the roots so the pink eyes (or the base of the stems) are covered with 1 inch of potting soil. See the Planting section above for planting depth details.
    • Water in well.
    • Store your pots/crates in an area of the garden with dappled shade so they get less water stress from the heat of the sun.
    • If you are storing during the growing season, be sure to water regularly. Peonies need good drainage, but should not be drought-stressed. In general, potted plants need a bit more water than plants in the ground.
    • If you are storing over winter, make sure your pots are stored in a way where they can drain. If in horticultural zones 3-5, consider heeling in your pots (grouping your pots together and mounding well-draining soil around the outside of the group for extra insulation - do not add soil to the tops of the pots, just the sides).
  • What to do when the first fall arrives:
    • Divide your peonies the first fall after storing them. This will allow you to get the most out of your legacy peonies.
    • Take the time to plant them well! You have gone through all this work. Make sure to give them the best new home.

13. Propagating Herbaceous Peonies

Planning for digging and dividing herbaceous peonies

Propagating by Root Division

DSC01301.jpg
DSC01306.jpg
cut1.jpg
Propagating herbaceous peonies by root division

The easiest and most successful way of creating more peonies is to divide them. Root division, and/or grafting in the case of tree peonies, is the only way to create another plant that is identical to its parent plant. Planting peony seeds will result in new cultivars. Peonies do not need to be divided. They can be planted and left in the same location for decades and will do incredibly well as long as they continue to get ample light, have minimal root competition, and the soil has good drainage. Propagation is simply a means to get more peonies. Scroll down for more information on each type of peony. When dividing an herbaceous peony, wash the dirt off the roots. The root has four parts: large tuberous roots, small fibrous roots, a connective crown, and eyes at the top of the crown. Rinse off the peony so you can see the plant clearly. Divide the plant into pieces by carefully cutting through the crown. Each piece should have at least one strong tuberous root and 3-5 eyes in the top of the crown. Plant each herbaceous peony 3 feet apart, according to the details in the Planting Instructions section.

Propagating by Seed

seeds_1284.jpg
Propagating herbaceous peonies by seed

If you are interested in propagating peonies from seeds, wait to see if a seedpod begins to form, as in the first picture below. Seeds will ripen and be ready to plant in early fall. Note that not all peonies can produce seeds, as the stamens have been diminished or lost in the hybridization process. If a peony is not able to produce seeds, the stem will not produce a seedpod. In this case, cut the stem back to the first set of true leaves to promote root growth. Note that to get a peony the same as another you currently grow, you must divide the root. If you are lucky enough, however, to have a variety of peonies that produce seeds, the seeds will produce peonies distinct from the parent. Plant the seeds one inch below the surface of the soil immediately after they ripen, like picture three. Plant them outside in similar conditions favored by the mother plants. Mark them well and wait. It may take two years for a seedling to emerge and as many as ten years for the plants to produce flowers. We often plant our seeds in bulb crates. This helps us keep track of their progress and makes them easy to transplant once they have grown.

Herbaceous peony seedling growth

3rd-year seedlings emerging in spring.

Herbaceous peony seedling size

3rd-year seedling root


14. Building Raised Beds

How to build a raised bed peony
Raised beds for herbaceous peonies

If you can not plant in the ground, build raised beds. Drainage is the key to planting in any situation. You must create a good potting mix, especially for raised beds. We grow herbaceous peonies in beds that are 12 feet long by 4 feet wide by 1 foot deep. We line the boxes with landscape fabric and fill them with potting soil amended with compost, worm castings, and crushed limestone or granite. The beds are placed on the existing soil for optimal drainage. You will need:

  • 2 - pressure-treated pine boards (not for growing food) that are 1 foot x 2 inches x 12 feet
  • 2 - pressure-treated pine boards that are 1 foot x 2 inches x 4 feet
  • 1 - pressure-treated 4-inch x 4-inch post - cut into 4 - 14-inch tall sections
  • 32+ - 3 1/2 inch deck screws, we use size 10
  • 32+ - washers with a 1/4 inch hole
  • Drill Bit & Drill

Directions:

Line all pieces up in a rectangle using 4x4 posts on the inside corners of the boxes. Use 4 screws & 4 washers, 8 per corner, to attach each corner of the long boards to the 4x4 posts (pre-drill each hole). Note that the 4x4 posts will extend a few inches below the box to keep the sides of the raised beds from sitting in the mud.  Boxes can be lined with landscaping fabric to hold in the potting mix, but still allow drainage. If you opt not to use landscaping fabric, note that the potting mix will settle out at the beginning until the soil structure develops. We recommend using potting soil as the growing medium because soil compacts and doesn't allow enough drainage. We avoid all bark (creates fungus in peonies). Promote drainage by amending your potting soil with such things as compost, coconut core, rice hulls, worm castings, perlite, and crushed limestone or granite. You want to create a light, friable potting medium.

Shop Quality Peonies with Us Today

With the right cultivar selection and a well-prepared planting site, one correctly planted root becomes a dependable herbaceous peony. Plants establish over three seasons and then return each spring with more stems, more flowers, and a stronger root system than the year before. A correctly sited plant is a generational garden fixture, requiring minimal intervention to perform beautifully across a lifetime of growing seasons. Every plant we ship arrives individually packaged in potting mix, fully labeled with cultivar information, and ready to go directly into the ground on arrival. Our nationwide bare-root shipping is timed to plant dormancy so every order reaches you at the right point in the growing cycle. The 100% satisfaction guarantee within seven days of delivery means you can add to your collection with complete confidence. To find the right cultivar for your garden, shop our full selection and buy peonies online with us today.