How to Grow Beautiful Peonies in Your Garden

Plant peony roots in fall with eyes 2 inches below soil surface in well-draining, sunny locations. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and provide support for heavy blooms.

  1. Choose Your Site Wisely. Select a spot that gets at least 6 hours of morning sunlight daily. Peonies need excellent drainage, so avoid low-lying areas where water collects. The location should have good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Keep in mind that peonies don't like to be moved once established, so choose carefully.
  2. Build the Perfect Bed. Dig a hole 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Mix the existing soil with compost or well-aged manure. Peonies prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. If your soil is clay-heavy, add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. The soil should be rich but not overly fertile.
  3. Nail the Depth. Place the peony root so the pink or red eyes (buds) are exactly 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep is the most common reason peonies fail to bloom. Backfill gently and water thoroughly. Space multiple plants 3 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
  4. Water Deep, Not Wet. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, providing about 1 inch of water total including rainfall. Water at soil level rather than overhead to prevent fungal diseases. Reduce watering in late summer and fall as the plant goes dormant.
  5. Stake Before They Topple. Install peony rings or stakes in early spring when shoots are 6 inches tall. The supports should be about 18 inches high for herbaceous varieties. Place them carefully to avoid damaging roots. Heavy, double-flowered varieties especially need support to prevent stems from breaking.
  6. Feed for Blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 in early spring when shoots emerge. Use about 2 tablespoons per plant, working it into the soil around the base. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote foliage over flowers. A second light feeding after blooming helps build energy for next year.
  7. Remove the Spent Blooms. Remove spent flowers immediately after blooming, cutting back to the first strong leaf. This prevents seed formation and directs energy back to the roots. Leave foliage intact until it yellows naturally in fall, as it feeds the root system for next year's growth.