This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

peonies

Coreen,

Peonies don't really have tubers, and shouldn't be treated like other
tuberous plants.  Peonies have a root system that can get quite large -
sometimes the roots can be as thick as your wrist.  When you purchase a
peony division, it consists of a section of heavy roots that have a
number (usually 3 to 5) of resting buds called eyes. The eyes are easy
to spot - they look like large reddish  versions of the resting buds on
a deciduous tree. 

When the division is planted in the fall, many fine root hairs will be
formed.  If the peony is to grow well next season, these root hairs
shouldn't be disturbed.  If the root hairs are damaged, the plant may
not be able to support the top growth in the spring.  This is why fall
is the recommended time to plant peonies.  Spring planted ones don't
have time to form the needed root sytem to support the rapid spring
growth.

When you plant the roots, the eyes should be no more than two inches
below the surface of the soil. If you plant them deeper, it may hinder
the ability of the plant to bloom.

If you are absolutely not able to plant them in their permanent location
this fall, I would plant them in pots.  Plant them in a large pot, with
the eyes two inches deep, bury the pots and leave outside over the
winter. Leave them in the pots until transplanting time next fall.

David Sims  sims@dmi.net
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index