Peonies grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, corresponding to minimum winter temperatures of -40 to +15ºF (-40 to -9. 4ºC). [4] X Research source If you are in Zone 8 or higher, peonies may benefit from afternoon shade, with full sunlight in the morning.
Keeping peonies spaced apart and clearing weeds to allow for air circulation is important for avoiding fungal infections. [6] X Research source Tree peony varieties will do better with four ft. (1. 2 m) of space between them. If you are not sure what type of peony you have, see the planting peonies section below.
Herbaceous peonies grow when the top bud is planted at a depth of 2 inches (5 cm). Tree peonies grow best when the graft is planted at a depth of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with at least a tip of the top stem above the soil. [8] X Research source
If your soil is rich, well-draining, and at least 18 in. (46 cm) deep, skip to the step “Plant the peony clump,” below.
To test soil drainage, dig a one ft (0. 3 meters) hole and fill it with water. Wait until it drains, then fill the hole a second time. Measure how much it has drained after one hour, or measure after fifteen minutes and multiply by four to find the hourly drainage. Well-draining soil suitable for peonies should drain between 1 and 6 inches (2. 5–15 cm) per hour. [10] X Research source
If pH testing reveals that your soil is acidic (below 6. 0 pH), add a couple handfuls of lime to balance this out. [11] X Research source
Early-blooming varieties, especially in warm climates, may grow better if planted only 1 in. (2. 5 cm) deep, so they can emerge early in the growing season. [14] X Research source
You do not need to water while the plants are dormant during winter.
Different peony-growing guides give considerably varied information on fertilization. A conservative instruction is given here, because peonies will grow fine without fertilizer and can develop weak stems weak stems and fewer flowers if fertilizer is overused. If the stems become too weak to hold up the flowers, consider a gardener’s tripod with a metal ring for supporting the stems.
If the bare stems have holes bored into them, this may be a sign of pests. Contact a gardener or botanist in your area, familiar with local pest control.
Warning: do not dispose of your dead peonies in the compost heap, as they may carry fungal infections that can spread to other plants this way. Burn them or throw them away instead.
