1. Make a planting hole that is twice the size of the plant that will be placed there;
2. Do not dig the planting hole too deep (usually approx. 10-15 cm), and loosen the bottom of the planting hole well;
3. Place the plant in the planting hole. The roots can be placed horizontally in the planting hole; the eyes pointing upwards (!). Press the plant lightly; the plant should now be at a depth so that the upper eyes are 2-5 cm below the ground surface (or '2 finger thicknesses deep');
4. Close the planting hole again and place a stick at this spot - this will remind you not to place other plants too close until emergence in February/March.

October is the best month for planting peonies. With us, peonies are only dug up and processed in the early natural rest period: from mid-September to mid-November. As a result, the planting rhythm is not disturbed and the quality of the plants remains at its highest possible level. This time of year is also suitable for replanting peonies: During this time, the plants make new root hairs with the last bit of warmth in the soil. This helps the plants to attach well to their new cutting. This gives the greatest chance of 1st year flowering because it offers the best growth. Our plants are usually shipped in the first half of October. Planting after receipt is always best to plant as soon as possible.

The most important thing is a well-draining soil. Peonies do not tolerate wet feet very well. When peonies are too wet, this can cause root rot, which can even kill the plants. If you have a wet garden, it is advisable to plant the peony on a 'ridge'; in other words, raise the soil locally for good drainage.

Plant preferably in a not too sheltered place. A too sheltered place can encourage a fungal disease such as Botrytis in wet years. Sufficient air circulation is therefore important.

Peonies also require sufficient sunlight. The sun all day is ideal, but partial shade is also possible. Plants that are too dark will give a long growth and no flowers.
Avoid planting too close to large shrubs or trees because of the unfair competition peonies will have to face. Especially shallow rooted trees or shrubs 'steal' almost all the moisture and nutrition from the peonies.

Also never plant in a place where peonies have been before, peonies secrete certain substances that will make a fresh plant grow poorly in the same place. Also, the chance of harmful organisms in the soil such as fungal diseases and root nematodes is always greater in such a same planting location. In technical terms, it is said that the soil is 'tired' in such an old place.

After the first growing season, peonies can grow enormously in size, so make sure they have 0.75 to 1 m2 per plant. It is recommended to keep a planting distance of at least 80 centimeters between each other for group planting. We often advise private individuals to plant peony borders.

Make room for peonies. We are happy to advise on topics such as the number of plants in your border, the choice of cultivars, the placement of cultivars and more. Send us a message if you want to plant a beautiful peony border. It would be our pleasure to help you.

Planting depth is very important. The upper eyes (usually the 'flower eyes') should be just below the soil surface. If they are deeper, the plant will only form leaves at best. Like all plants, peonies want to survive. If a peony is planted too deep, the plant will try to form new growth at the top of the plant in order to create a kind of 'new plant' that is at the right depth to be able to flower. However, this process takes a number of years, and that is often far too long when a plant was purchased with high expectations?
In the worst case, when peonies are too deep, no growth at all is visible above ground. Deeper in the ground it often stays wet for too long, which can cause the plants to rot.

Peonies thrive in principle on all types of soil. In general, the heavier the base, the slower the growth; in other words, the longer it takes for the first flowers to grow. However, this is not at all negative; on the contrary - in the long run, a firm clay soil, for example, can be ideal. In general, loam, peat and clay soils are excellent.

Soils with a pH of 6.5-7.5 are ideal. On acidic soils (acidity lower than 6.5) it is advisable to mix some lime through the planting hole and you can add some lime annually to increase the pH. On basic ('sweet') soils (acidity higher than 7.5) it is advisable to mix in garden peat or other material with acidifying properties.

Peonies can also grow well on light sandy soils, but they do require more attention. It is therefore recommended to regularly water and feed these soils. It is even better to enrich the soil at the planting location of the peony(ies). A good way to do this is to dig a hole of approximately 50 cm deep and 40x40 cm in size. At the bottom of the hole, apply a layer of approximately 25 cm of well-rotted cow manure and/or bone meal, then apply the replacement soil on top of this. A mixture of clay, sand and garden soil is ideal in the ratio 60-20-20. Clay alone is also possible, but then take into account a somewhat longer growing time until a mature plant.

A peony is best started as a 'bare plant' in the fall. A 'bare plant' bought in the spring and stored for a few months always loses some vitality. Moreover, such a spring purchase misses the crucial growth phase before the winter, which makes it harder for the plant to take root and you have to wait longer for flowering.

Peonies are usually sold in pots. Although plants in a pot are visually attractive, it is always better to buy a peony that was purchased in the fall as a 'bare plant' in your garden. Peonies also get the reputation of being difficult or bad to flower because they are mainly sold in pots. This is not true at all!

Peonies in pots have a completely different root system than in nature in the open ground. The plant is not forced to build up extra food in its roots because food and moisture are always very close in pots. As a result, a peony in a pot gets too many fine roots and does not have enough food stored to produce flowers.

When you buy a peony in a large pot size, it is likely that it will flower the first year, since the roots are planted in the ground by the grower before the plant was potted. When you then plant this plant in your garden, it will take at least a year to build up a sufficient root system to produce flowers again.

If you are unable to plant peonies in the open ground, it is a good idea to plant them in a pot on your balcony or terrace. Always use a very large pot or tub. Try to use a heavy potting soil that is not too wet and sufficiently airy. Feed moderately by mixing in compost. Always try a common cultivar before buying the exclusive cultivar. Keeping a flowering peony in a pot for several years is not easy, but for the true enthusiast this is a great challenge!