Planting Peony Roots

Peonies need full sun (8 hours+), well drained soil and good air flow. Prepare the planting site by digging a hole about 15 x 15 inches, then fill the hole back in with the spaded soil. Remove just enough soil to place the root in, so it will sit just below or at ground level. If planting multiple roots, plant 3-4 ft apart. 

Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the 'eyes' (buds) facing upward. The roots are placed near the surface of the ground, with just one inch to two inches of soil on top of the 'eyes' (buds). Take care to not plant peony roots too deeply. Think of it as planting your bare root peony 'just below ground level' or at ground level with only a couple inches of soil mounded over the root.

In warmer climates (southern states, California) where peonies can be grown, gardeners report success with planting the peony root near ground level with just a smidge of soil (about one half inch) over the eyes.

Water your newly planted peony root right away. Be sure to continue watering new peony plants every week or two, providing moisture until the Fall rains take over.

Gently check the peony root; if it settled too deeply, lift it up and add additional soil under the root. Be sure it is only covered with one inch to two inches of soil for best results. Planting peonies too deeply can result in foliage growth with no flowers.

Newly planted bare root peonies will establish new feeder roots when you plant them in the Fall. The winter freezing temperatures will not affect roots planted in the ground (garden). Peonies like cold winters.