Tree peonies are absolute showstoppers that can grace your garden with a massive explosion of blooms for decades if they’re happy where they are. Because they love to stay put, it’s worth taking a little extra time to pick the perfect spot from the get-go so you don’t have to move them later.
Ways to Grow Them
Tree peonies are pretty versatile and can be planted in a few different ways:
- As a stunning standalone specimen (the star of the show!)
- As a unique flowering hedge
- In large pots or containers to brighten up your patio or balcony
Finding the Perfect Spot
When it comes to picking a location, tree peonies aren’t actually that picky. They’ll get along with almost any spot in your yard, but if you want them to really thrive, aim for these conditions:
- A spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly loamy, but—most importantly—well-draining.
Planting Your Tree Peonies
Once you’ve found the spot, dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball. If your soil needs a little boost, mix in some natural fertilizer like compost or horn meal before filling the hole back in. Make sure to give your new plants a good drink regularly during the first few weeks to help those roots settle in.
Moving Your Peonies
If your tree peony isn’t happy or you absolutely have to move it, you’ll need to be extra gentle. Try to dig up the entire root system with as little damage as possible. Just a heads-up: older, larger plants can have pretty deep and wide roots, which can make moving them a bit of a workout!
If you are moving an older plant, it’s actually a great time to think about dividing it for propagation to get even more plants for your garden.
Don’t Get Too Cozy
It sounds counterintuitive, but you actually don’t want a spot that’s *too* sheltered or warm. If the area is too protected, the plant might start budding way too early in the spring, leaving those tender new shoots vulnerable to late-season frost damage. A little fresh air is a good thing!
When to Plant
Technically, you can plant tree peonies year-round as long as the weather behaves—especially if they are coming from a nursery pot. However, the absolute best time to get them in the ground is the fall. You want to plant while the soil still holds some summer warmth but before the first hard frost hits.
