Peonies

The best planting time depends on how the peony is supplied. Bare-root peonies are best planted in autumn or spring, while potted peonies can be planted from spring into autumn as long as the soil is workable and not waterlogged. Autumn planting gives bare roots time to settle before growth begins in spring.

Plant bare-root peonies in fertile, well-drained soil, spreading the roots carefully in the planting hole and positioning the crown at the correct depth. For herbaceous peonies, the visible buds or ‘eyes’ should sit only just below the soil surface. Water after planting and avoid burying the crown too deeply, as this is one of the most common reasons peonies fail to flower well.

Herbaceous peonies should be planted very shallowly, with the buds covered by no more than about 2.5cm of soil. Planting too deeply can reduce or prevent flowering. Tree peonies are different and are usually planted more deeply, especially when grafted, so always check which type of peony you are growing before planting.

Most peonies flower from late spring into early summer, usually around May and June. Exact timing depends on the variety and the weather, with some types flowering earlier or later than others. Planting several peonies with different flowering periods can extend the display.

The most common causes are planting too deeply, insufficient light, recent moving or dividing, or stress from dry conditions while flower buds are developing. Young peonies can also take time to establish before producing their best display. If the crown of a herbaceous peony is buried too deeply, lifting and replanting it more shallowly in autumn can help.

Yes. Peonies are hardy perennial plants and can live for decades in the same position. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground in autumn and reappear in spring, while tree peonies retain a woody framework. Once established, peonies generally prefer to be left undisturbed.

Herbaceous peonies should be cut back in autumn once the foliage has died down. Remove the old stems close to ground level and clear away the debris, which also helps reduce the risk of disease carrying over into the following season. Tree peonies are treated differently and usually need only dead or damaged wood removed.

Yes. Established herbaceous peonies can be lifted and divided in autumn, especially if flowering has declined or you want to create more plants. Each division should have healthy roots and several visible buds. Newly divided plants may take a season or two to settle before flowering strongly again.

Herbaceous peonies die back completely each autumn, then regrow from the crown in spring. Tree peonies are woody shrubs that keep their stems through winter. Intersectional, or Itoh, peonies are hybrids between the two, combining large flowers and sturdy growth with foliage that dies back each year. All three are long-lived, but their growth habit and planting requirements differ.