How to Grow Peonies and Enjoy Their Timeless Beauty

Few flowers rival the elegance and fragrance of peonies. Learning how to grow peonies allows gardeners to enjoy lush, ruffled blooms that return year after year with minimal effort. From romantic spring bouquets to garden borders, peonies offer versatility, beauty, and charm.

Whether you're planting your first peony or expanding your garden, this guide covers everything you need: peony history, planting and care tips, and how to avoid common issues for healthy, long-lasting flowers.

The History of Peonies: From Ancient Medicine to Garden Royalty

Peonies boast a history as rich as their blooms. Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. In ancient China, peonies were prized not only for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties, used to treat everything from headaches to inflammation.

By the Tang Dynasty (7th century), peonies became symbols of wealth and honor, often grown in imperial gardens. Their popularity spread to Japan and Europe, where they were admired for their showy flowers and sweet scent.

Today, peonies remain a favorite for weddings, spring gardens, and floral arrangements. Understanding how to grow peonies connects you to this rich heritage and helps you cultivate a garden classic with lasting appeal.

Growing Peonies: What Every Gardener Should Know

Peonies are perennials that can bloom for decades with proper care. While they take time to establish, the reward is massive blooms, low maintenance, and a touch of elegance each spring.

When and Where to Plant Peonies

The best time to plant peonies is fall (September to October), allowing them to establish roots before winter. Peonies thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for strong growth and abundant blooms.

Choose a site with well-draining, fertile soil. Avoid overly wet spots, as peony roots dislike soggy conditions.

Soil Preparation and Planting Depth

Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or aged manure to enrich nutrients and improve drainage. Peonies prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

When planting bare-root peonies, position the eyes (buds) about 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can hinder blooming. Space plants 3–4 feet apart for airflow and room to grow.

For potted peonies, plant at the same depth as in the container and water thoroughly.

Watering and Fertilizing

Peonies need consistent moisture during the first year but avoid overwatering. Once established, they are drought-tolerant. Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells.

Fertilize peonies in early spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) to encourage flower production, not just foliage. Avoid fertilizing after July to prevent tender growth before winter.

Supporting Peonies

Large peony blooms can become top-heavy, especially after rain. Use plant supports or rings early in the growing season to keep stems upright and blooms pristine.

Storing and Dividing Peonies

One benefit of knowing how to grow peonies is their long life span, often blooming for 50+ years. They rarely need to be moved, but if you wish to divide or transplant, fall is the best time.

• Dig carefully around the plant and lift the root clump.
• Rinse off soil and use a clean knife to divide sections with 3–5 eyes each.
• Replant divisions immediately, following standard planting depth.

Peonies don't require winter storage but benefit from mulching in colder zones (3–5). Cut back stems after frost, and apply a light mulch to insulate the crown.

Common Peony Diseases and Pests

Peonies are generally disease-resistant, but these issues can arise:

Botrytis Blight

A gray mold that causes buds to rot and stems to wilt.
Prevention: Remove affected growth, space plants well, and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if needed.

Powdery Mildew

White coating on leaves in humid weather.
Solution: Improve airflow, water at the base, and treat with organic fungicide.

Ants on Peony Buds

Ants are attracted to the nectar but do not harm peonies. No treatment is needed — they often help deter other pests.

Peony Wilt

Sudden wilting of stems due to fungus.
Solution: Cut and discard affected stems, and avoid excessive moisture.

By monitoring plant health and practicing clean gardening, you can maintain vibrant, healthy blooms — an essential part of mastering how to grow peonies.

Fun Facts About Peonies

• Peonies symbolize prosperity, romance, and honor, making them popular wedding flowers.
• A mature peony plant can produce 100+ blooms per season.
• The State Flower of Indiana is the peony.
• Peonies are among the longest-living perennials, thriving for generations.

Explore More with BloomHub

Now that you know how to grow peonies, explore rare varieties, buy from trusted growers, or sell your blooms on BloomHub's flower marketplace. Connect with gardeners nationwide and celebrate the beauty of peonies season after season.

Visit the BloomHub Journal for more growing tips, care guides, and inspiration for your garden.