Planting a peony from bare roots

With their generous, voluptuous flowers rich in petals, and their pretty colours, peonies bring a lot of charm to a garden. To enjoy them to the full, plant them from autumn. That way, you will enjoy beautiful flowering bouquets next spring. Discover how to plant peonies as bare roots.

peony planted as bare roots — **Peony lactiflora 'Henry Bockstoce'**

What is bare-root planting?

Bare roots are a product consisting of roots without any container or potting compost.The advantage of bare roots compared with plants bought in pots is better establishment when planted. It's also a more economical and eco-friendly solution thanks to the absence of potting compost and plastic container.

Which peonies can be planted as bare roots?

It is the herbaceous peonies that can be planted as bare roots.

Among peonies, there are herbaceous peonies and bush peonies. Herbaceous peonies are perennial plants with fleshy roots. Their leaves disappear in winter and return in spring, accompanying the flowering. Bush peonies form bushes that can reach a height of 1 to 3 metres.

peony root planting — Fleshy roots of an herbaceous peony

Where and when to plant?

Choose location carefully because peonies do not like being moved.
Peonies prefer sunny positions but can also tolerate partial shade.
They prefer a clay soil rich in humus, cool but well drained because they dislike dampness.
They also need plenty of space to establish properly. Allow 60 cm to 1 metre between each plant.
Also choose a spot sheltered from wind.
Bare-root peonies are best planted in autumn, giving them time to establish before flowering next spring. Best planting period is October–November, but planting can be done until February–March.
Plant outside periods of frost or extreme heat.

Choosing the right position is important to obtain a flourishing peony

How to plant?

Equipment

Spade
Compost or horn meal

Inspecting bare roots

Check bare roots of peony to verify health.
They should be fleshy and firm, without any sign of white mould. When pinched, they should not be soft and finger should not sink into the root.
Another sign of good health: presence of pink buds, well swollen, on the roots.
Plant bare roots quickly after purchase so they do not dry out. If you cannot plant immediately, you can store them for a few days in a cool place at a temperature between 2 and 8°C.

Planting

Dig a hole with a spade 40–50 cm deep, loosening the soil well. Hole should be 2 to 3 times larger than the bare roots themselves.
Place at bottom of hole rich potting soil, compost or horn meal, then mix with existing soil. Avoid chemical fertilisers which may damage the roots.
Place bare roots in the hole at 5–6 cm depth, with buds facing upwards, and cover with soil.

Firm the soil and water well to remove any air pockets and ensure good contact between soil and roots, essential for successful establishment.
You can cover with mulch.
Place a stake at the planting spot to mark it and take care not to step on it so as not to damage the large bud that will emerge from the soil.