Peony

Paeonia spp. · Flower

A long-lived perennial with huge, often scented late-spring blooms. It is slow to settle but can flower in the same spot for decades. The key is planting depth: too deep and it will grow leaves but no flowers.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun; light afternoon shade in hot areas

Water

About 1 in per week in dry spells; avoid soggy soil

Soil

Deep, fertile, well-drained, pH 6.5–7.0

Temperature

Needs winter cold; hardy well below 0 °F

Spacing

3–4 ft apart

Container

Not ideal; if needed, at least 15 gallons, 18 in deep

Bloom

Late spring to early summer (estimated)

Lifespan

Perennial; can live 50+ years (estimated)

When?

Plant bare-root divisions in early to mid autumn, giving roots time to settle before winter. Container plants can go in during spring or autumn (estimated).

Step by step

1. Pick a sunny spot you will not need to dig up later; peonies hate being moved.
2. Prepare a wide hole with plenty of compost.
3. Set the pink buds (eyes) no more than 2 in below the soil surface.
4. Water well after planting and keep moist through the first autumn.
5. Put rings or supports in place in early spring before stems grow tall.
6. Ants on the buds are harmless; no need to remove them.
7. Deadhead after flowering, but keep the foliage until autumn.
8. Cut stems to the ground in late autumn and remove the debris.

Common problems

Pets

Peony is listed as toxic to cats and dogs; eating it can upset the stomach. Keep pets from chewing stems and roots. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Similar plants