A Short & Simple How-To Plant Bare-Root Peonies

How to Plant Bare-Root Peonies

Follow these steps to give your peonies the best start in your garden.

1. Choose the Right Spot

• Pick a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

• Ensure the soil drains well as peonies won’t thrive in soggy soil.

• Leave 3–4' of space between plants for healthy growth and airflow.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Dig a hole 12–18 inches deep and wide.

• Mix the removed soil with compost or aged manure to enrich it.

• If your soil is heavy clay, add a bit of sand or fine gravel for drainage.

3. Position the Root

• Form a small mound of soil in the bottom of the hole.

• Place the peony root on top of the mound, spreading the roots outward.

• Make sure the eyes (small pink or white buds) are facing upward.

• Cover with soil so the eyes sit no more than 1–2 inches below the surface.

  • Planting too deep is the most common reason peonies don’t bloom.

4. Water Thoroughly

• After planting, water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.

• Continue to water weekly (about 1 inch per week) until the ground freezes or the plant is established.

5. Mulch & Mark

• Add a light layer of mulch to help retain moisture, but keep it off the crown.

• Mark the spot.  Peonies can take a little while to emerge in spring.

6. Be Patient

Peonies may take a year or two to settle in before blooming fully, but once established, they’ll reward you with decades of beautiful, dependable blooms.

Tip: Don’t divide or move your peony once planted unless absolutely necessary. Peonies prefer to stay in one place!