Fall is the perfect time to plant peony roots. Peonies grow their new hair roots when planted at this time of year. This keeps them firmly planted in the ground and prepares them for the winter. Are you planning to plant peonies in the fall, and do you want to learn how to grow these beautiful flowers yourself successfully? This growing guide will help you plant and grow peonies.
Good to know: You can plant bare-root peonies in the fall or spring. Do you want to grow spring-planted peonies? Use our guide ‘How To Grow Peonies In Spring’.
Quick guide:
- Planting season: Fall (October through mid-November)
- Place: Full sun, but can tolerate half a day of sun
- Soil: Well-drained, various soil types
- Water: Regularly in the first year, then every few weeks in hot summers
- Fertilizer: In early spring (10-20-20)
- Mulch: Mulching is optional in very cold winter climates
- After blooming: Cut stems to ground level in late autumn and remove from the garden
Plant Peonies In Fall With Our 6 Most Important Tips
1. Planting Season
Plant bare-root peonies in the fall, the prime planting season for peonies. October through mid-November is the best time for planting to allow the roots to be established before winter. Transplanting potted peonies in the fall or spring is also possible.
2. Soil And Sunlight
Peonies thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, although they can tolerate half a day of sun. A bit of shade can be beneficial for a longer bloom season. Peonies can grow in various soil types, including clay soil, but you can amend the soil if desired.
3. Planting Technique
Dig a hole about 15 × 15 inches (ca. 38 cm) and fill it with the spaded soil. Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the eyes (buds) facing upwards. The roots should be close to the soil surface, with just 1 to 2 inches (ca. 2.5-5 cm) of soil covering the eyes. Avoid planting too deeply, as it can result in foliage growth without flowers. Water the newly planted peony right away.
4. Watering
Water your peonies thoroughly upon planting and during dry weather in the first year. Once established, peonies are fairly drought-tolerant but appreciate a good watering every few weeks in hot summers. Let the soil almost dry out between watering.
5. Fertilizing And Deadheading
Fertilize your peonies in early spring with a 10-20-20 fertilizer. You can also fertilize them after they bloom. Deadhead the spent flowers and remove dead foliage to promote better blooming. Do you cut peonies back in the fall? The answer is yes. Cut the peony stems to ground level in late fall and remove them from the garden for sanitation purposes. Avoid composting peony leaves and stems.
6. Peonies Fall Care In The US
Mulching is unnecessary in the Northwest, but some gardeners in very cold winter climates, where the ground freezes, may choose to mulch for protection and remove it in the spring. If your peonies lose vigor over time, check for issues such as:
- Buried roots due to mulch
- Excessive shade from trees
- Tree roots crowding the peony roots
- Excessive nitrogen
You can dig, divide, and replant a division with 3–5 eyes in a different spot with good sun and drainage to rejuvenate your peonies.
Tip: Do you want to propagate herbaceous peonies or tree peonies? A herbaceous peony can be propagated by division in the fall, while a tree peony plant is better propagated by layering.
Waiting Will Be Rewarded With Beautiful Flower Buds And Blooms
Remember that peonies establish a vigorous root system in the first 2 years. By the third spring, you will see growing peonies with beautiful flower buds and blooms in your garden. With proper care, peonies can thrive for decades without needing division, unless you want to propagate or share additional plants.
Learn more: Fun Facts About Peonies
Grow Peonies Yourself With Top Quality Perennials From DutchGrown
Our large peony roots (with 3 to 5 eyes) are freshly harvested from Dutch growing fields. You will find more than 25 unique varieties of the best quality. Select peony perennial plants for fall from DutchGrown. When the established plants begin blooming during the growing season, you can enjoy stunning colors and delightful fragrances in your garden bed all spring/summer long. Choose our bare roots for the best start to your peony-growing journey.
