Peony Growing Tips

Buy peony roots from reputable growers, many of which specialize only in peonies. The most promising roots have three to five eyes, or growth points.

One of the best illustrations detailing the depth and alignment of herbaceous (and intersectional) peony roots when preparing to plant comes from Becky Swenson of Swenson Gardens in Minnesota.

A few tips on planting herbaceous and Intersectional peonies include:

• Plant in the fall so that the peony root can settle in before the end of November, when the soil freezes.
• Plant the root so that the eyes are covered by no more than two inches of soil.
• Avoid cutting any flowers the first two years of growth so the plant’s energy can go toward producing a good root system.
• If a newly-planted peony wilts during a hot spell, don’t assume it needs water. Its roots haven’t developed enough to handle excess moisture. Instead of watering the plant, provide a temporary cover for it to give it some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Leave a couple of inches of stem behind when cutting intersectional peonies down in the fall.

RETAIL SOURCES FOR INTERSECTIONAL HYBRIDS:

Brooks Gardens, 6219 Topaz St. NE, Brooks, OR 97305; phone (503) 393-7999

Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, (763) 350-2051.

Hollingsworth Peonies, 28747 290 Street, Maryville, Missouri 64468, 302-635-0140