Planting a Bareroot Peony

Peonies are an easy-to-grow, long-lived perennial. Treat these garden classics like an investment for your garden and they will provide you with years of breathtaking beauty and fragrance.

• Peonies are shipped bare root and in a dormant state. Your peony division (root) should be stored in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant. Plant the division as soon as you can work the soil in your garden.

• Select a site in full sun and well-draining soil. Peonies are a long-lived perennial and perform well when left undisturbed in the same site to grow into a beautiful, mature clump.

• Prepare the planting site by adding plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. A slow release organic fertilizer can also be added at this time.

• Plant the division so that the eyes are covered by no more than 1.5 to 2 inches of soil. Planting a peony too deep can prevent flowering.

• Gently firm the soil around the division to eliminate any air pockets. Water in well and mark the site so as not to disturb the division as it begins to grow.