When to Plant Peonies?

When to plant peonies? Everything you need to know

Peonies: romantic, classic and a bit dramatic

Peonies are undoubtedly one of the most beloved garden plants—and rightly so. With their lavish blooms and rich colors, they transform your garden into a blooming paradise. But if you plant them at the wrong time, you'll end up with frustration instead of floral splendor. That's why we're exploring the question: when to plant peonies?

What is the best time to plant peonies?

In open ground: choose autumn

Want to plant peonies in the ground? Then autumn is your time to shine. From late September to November—just as the leaves begin to fall—is the ideal time to plant your peonies. Ideally, choose a dry, cloudy day or just after a rain shower, when the soil is nice and loose but not soaked. This gives the roots enough time to establish themselves before winter arrives.

In the greenhouse: a little earlier is also allowed

If you're lucky enough to have a greenhouse, you can get started a little earlier. Early September is a good time. Although they do better outdoors, you can start young plants in the greenhouse and transplant them later. Avoid bright sunlight during planting and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent rot.

Bareroot or potted: what should you choose?

Planting bareroot peonies

Bareroot peonies are peonies without soil, usually sold in a paper bag. These are best planted immediately after purchase in the fall. Dig a hole about 40 cm wide and deep, and ensure the "eyes" (small pink shoots) are no more than 3 cm below the soil surface. Too deep? Then you might get leaves but no flowers.

Transplanting potted peonies

Did you buy a potted peony? Then you can technically move it all year round as long as it's not freezing. But even here, autumn remains the favorite. Provide a good, airy potting soil so water can drain easily, such as a mixture with a little perlite for better drainage.

Where and how do you best plant peonies?

A sunny spot, please

Peonies love the sun. So find a spot that gets at least half a day of sun. Don't put it too wet, as peonies don't like wet feet. Also, ensure some air circulation around the plant. This prevents mold on the leaves and promotes healthy growth.

The soil of your dreams

Regarding your soil: peonies are picky, but not impossible. They prefer humus-rich, well-drained soil. Consider adding pumice or coconut husk to your soil mix for extra drainage and structure. This is especially recommended for heavy clay soil.

Compagnon Planten: who are the best neighbors?

Do you like planting peonies alongside other garden plants? Give them neighbors that aren't too dominant. Consider perennials like ferns or shade plants for contrasting leaf shapes. Be careful with root competitors like bamboo.

Caring for peonies: start with planting

Watering? In moderation!

After planting, water thoroughly, but after that, you can take it easy. Peonies aren't exactly thirsty divas. Only water again when the top few centimeters of the soil feel dry. Soil that's too wet can cause root rot, which you really want to avoid. Not sure if your plant is too wet? Then read our tips in the blog post about root rot in houseplants – also applicable in the garden.

Give them the right starting boost

Want to do it right? Give your peonies a strong start with a layer of organic compost or a soil mix with vermiculite . This will retain moisture and nutrients better. Just be careful: don't use fresh fertilizer! It's too aggressive and can damage the roots.

Patience is rewarded

Final tip: don't expect flowers in the first year. Peonies have a certain inertia in their DNA. They usually don't bloom fully until the second or third year. But trust us – when they finally burst into bloom, they'll be more than worth the effort.

Alternatives for those who don't have a garden

No garden? No problem!

If you only have a patio or indoor space and still want flowers, we recommend potted plants like Spathiphyllum or a flowering Calathea Sanderiana . They're easy to care for, flower beautifully, and love a cozy indoor spot.

Extra tips for beginning plant lovers

Just starting to plant? Then hardy varieties like the ZZ plant or Yucca are a great addition. They require little care yet provide a beautiful touch of green. Perfect for building your green confidence while your peonies take their time blooming.

Conclusion: the golden rule for planting peonies

Fall, fall, fall. That's the golden rule. Plant in the open ground between late September and November, or in a sheltered greenhouse from September onwards. Give them time, plant them a little shallower than you think, and never underestimate the power of good soil.

Want to learn more about when to plant other plants? Discover the answers to numerous questions in our blog series, for example, when to plant dahlias or when to plant garlic , and keep your garden spick and span all year round.