Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, but getting those big, beautiful blooms starts with picking the right roots. I’ve made a few mistakes over the years—choosing weak or dried-out roots that barely grew.
Now I know what to look for, and it’s made a huge difference in how my plants perform. With a little know-how, you can set your peonies up for a strong start and years of gorgeous flowers.
These tips will help you choose the best roots and get the most out of every plant.
1. Look for plump, firm roots
Healthy peony roots should feel substantial in your hand, never dried out or mushy. When shopping, gently squeeze the tuberous roots – they should resist pressure like a firm potato.
Avoid any that feel hollow or show signs of rot. The ideal root will have 3-5 ‘eyes’ (small reddish buds), which are the growing points that will develop into stems. These eyes indicate the plant’s future growth potential.
2. Count the eyes on each root division
Those little pink or red buds on peony roots aren’t just for show – they’re future stems! A quality division should have at least 3-5 eyes for best results. Fewer eyes mean fewer stems and possibly no blooms in the first year.
More eyes generally mean more flowers sooner, but don’t go overboard. Divisions with too many eyes crammed together might compete for nutrients. The eyes should be positioned near the crown and pointing upward.
3. Check for damage or disease
Before purchasing, inspect roots thoroughly for any soft spots, mold, or unusual discoloration. Healthy peony roots should be firm and typically light brown or tan in color, never black or mushy.
Avoid roots with a strong unpleasant odor, as this indicates rot. Small nicks won’t affect growth, but large wounds create entry points for disease. Reject any roots with signs of pest damage like tiny holes or tunnels.
4. Consider root age and size
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to peony roots. Mature 3-5 year old divisions typically establish faster than very young or extremely old divisions. The ideal root should be about the size of your palm with several healthy divisions.
Very large, old roots often struggle to adapt after transplanting. Fresh young divisions might be smaller but should still have well-developed eyes. The root should feel substantial but not massive – quality over quantity!
5. Research peony varieties beforehand
Not all peonies are created equal! Tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and intersectional (Itoh) peonies have different root structures and growing requirements. Research which type fits your garden conditions before shopping.
Early, midseason, and late-blooming varieties can extend your peony season from spring through early summer. Consider flower form too – singles, semi-doubles, doubles, and Japanese forms offer different garden aesthetics and varying resistance to weather damage.
6. Buy from reputable sources
Quality matters enormously when purchasing peony roots. Established nurseries and specialty peony farms typically offer healthier stock than bargain big-box stores. Look for sellers who grow their own peonies and have positive reviews.
Reputable sources properly label varieties and provide accurate growing information. They’ll also stand behind their products if problems arise. Consider joining peony societies for recommendations on trusted suppliers who sell true-to-name varieties.
7. Understand root freshness timing
Timing is everything when buying peony roots. Freshly harvested divisions in fall (September-October) establish best in most regions. These roots have just been divided and contain maximum stored energy for strong spring growth.
Spring-planted roots often struggle in summer heat before establishing properly. Avoid roots that appear dried out or have been stored improperly. If purchasing bare roots, they should be plump and not wrinkled from dehydration.
8. Assess root structure integrity
A well-formed peony root resembles a hand with fingers – a central crown with several fleshy tubers extending outward. These tubers store nutrients that fuel initial growth. The crown should be intact, not broken or damaged.
Roots should be attached firmly to the crown, not hanging by threads. Avoid divisions where the crown appears to be splitting apart. The overall structure should look balanced, with tubers distributed somewhat evenly around the crown.
9. Consider climate compatibility
Not all peonies thrive in all regions! Early-blooming varieties perform better in southern gardens where spring heat arrives quickly. Northern gardeners have more flexibility but should still choose varieties with proven cold hardiness.
Check if the variety needs a specific number of chill hours to bloom properly. Some modern hybrids tolerate warmer zones better than heritage varieties. Ask local peony growers which cultivars consistently perform well in your specific climate.
10. Look for clear variety identification
Mystery peonies might be fun for adventurous gardeners, but most of us want to know exactly what we’re planting! Properly labeled roots should include the cultivar name, not just generic descriptions like “pink peony.”
Reputable sellers provide accurate bloom time, flower type, and mature size information. This prevents disappointment when your peony finally blooms. Photos should represent the actual variety, not just a generic peony image.
11. Plant at the correct depth
The number one mistake gardeners make with peonies is planting too deep! Those little red or pink eyes should be positioned just 1-2 inches below soil level. Deeper planting leads to healthy foliage but few or no flowers.
Too shallow, and winter cold may damage the crown. Use a ruler to measure precisely before backfilling. In very cold climates, aim for 2 inches of coverage, while warmer regions can go with just 1 inch.
12. Choose sunny locations carefully
Location dramatically affects peony performance! These sun-lovers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant blooms. Morning sun with afternoon shade works well in hotter climates to prevent flower scorch.
Avoid planting near large trees whose roots compete for nutrients and water. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues like botrytis. The perfect spot combines sun exposure with protection from strong winds that can damage tall flower stems.
13. Prepare soil thoroughly before planting
Peonies are long-term investments that can live 50+ years, so soil preparation pays huge dividends! Work the soil deeply – at least 18 inches – and incorporate ample organic matter like compost or aged manure.
Add a handful of bone meal to each planting hole to support root development. Ensure excellent drainage by creating raised beds if your soil tends to stay wet. Peonies prefer slightly alkaline conditions, so consider adding garden lime if your soil is acidic.
14. Fertilize appropriately for maximum blooms
Feed your peonies properly and they’ll reward you with magnificent blooms! Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) in early spring when shoots are about 2-3 inches tall. High nitrogen promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
A second light feeding after flowering helps build strength for next year’s display. Avoid getting fertilizer directly on stems or crown to prevent burning. Mulch with compost annually to slowly release nutrients throughout the growing season.
15. Practice proper watering techniques
Newly planted peony roots need consistent moisture their first year, but established plants are surprisingly drought-tolerant. Water deeply once weekly during dry spells rather than frequent shallow sprinklings that encourage shallow roots.
Avoid overhead watering which promotes fungal diseases. Instead, direct water at the soil level. Reduce watering in fall to help plants harden off for winter. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture without keeping roots soggy.