Peonies have always been a garden favorite, but Bareroot Peonies are a great value, and fall is the perfect time to plant them! These hardy perennials burst into magnificent blooms from early spring through early summer, so it's no wonder more gardeners are adding them to their landscape designs every year.
As Bare Root Peony popularity continues to grow, let's dig into how to plant them successfully so everyone enjoys lush, blooming success come spring! Because who wants a Peony-less spring garden? Not us!
Follow along as Nature Hills outlines the 4 simple steps to planting a Bareroot Peony, plus proper Peony care tips to keep them thriving for decades.
- How To Plant Your Bare Root Peony
- 1. Choose Your Site
- 2. Prepare The Soil
- 3. Place Your Peony
- 4. Time To Water
- Proper Peony Care
- Protecting Your Peonies With Plant Sentry™
How To Plant Your Bare Root Peony
What's the difference between a Bareroot Peony and a potted Peony? “Bare root” simply means the plant is dug up while dormant, the soil removed, and the roots cleaned before shipping.
- Dug from the field in late summer
- Soil is removed and roots trimmed to 3–5 stem divisions
- 'Eyes' (growth buds) on the roots look like tiny potato sprouts
Learn more about Bareroot plants in our #ProPlantTips Bareroot Blog. Now let's get planting!
1. Choose Your Site
Once your Peonies arrive, it's planting time! You can refrigerate them briefly if needed, but sooner is better.
- Best Planting Time: Fall, when the air is cool but the soil is still warm
- Sun: Full sun with afternoon shade in hot regions
- Soil: Well-draining and nutrient-rich, with neutral pH
- Location: Give roots 3+ feet to stretch away from trees or shrubs
- Wind: Avoid windy areas or use a natural windbreak to prevent stem damage
2. Prepare The Soil
Peonies love soil that's been prepped with care.
- Soak the Bareroot Peony in water while you dig the hole
- Dig roughly 18 inches wide and a shovel's length deep
- Position the eyes upward about 1 inch below the surface
- In mild climates, keep buds closer to the surface
- In colder areas, plant 2 inches deep for protection
- Do not bury too deeply, as it can prevent flowering!
3. Place Your Peony
Now comes the fun part, planting your Peony for good!
- Set the Peony roots in place, eyes up, at the right depth
- Backfill soil gently but firmly to remove air pockets
- Mix in a slow-release fertilizer for a strong start
4. Time To Water
Give your new Peony a good drink to settle it in.
- Use a gentle hose stream to soak the soil
- Watch for soil to settle, that's air escaping
- Mark the planting spot so you remember where it's resting underground
Check out watering tips from our experts to help your Peonies establish faster.
Proper Peony Care
Peonies reward patience. These perennials may take a few years to hit their stride, but once established, they're spectacular!
- Year 1: Only about half may bloom
- Year 2: Most should bloom beautifully
- Year 3: Expect more stems and fuller blossoms
Peonies thrive with a “less is more” attitude. They prefer to be left alone!
- Fertilize lightly in early summer after blooming, every few years
- Add arborist mulch to hold moisture and reduce weeds
- Provide support for heavy flower heads using tomato cages or stakes
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage fresh growth
- Use Peony blossoms as long-lasting cut flowers
Cut flower tip: Harvest Peonies just as the buds show color. Wrap each bloom in newspaper and store in the fridge with stems in water. Unwrap when ready to enjoy, one bouquet at a time!
Happy Planting!
