When to Plant Peonies?

When to plant peonies: the ideal time to plant these showstoppers

What exactly are peonies?

Peonies are beautiful, profusely flowering plants that can transform your garden into a picturesque floral paradise between May and June. They come in a variety of varieties and colors, from soft pink to deep burgundy. These perennials return every year and become increasingly abundant the longer they remain rooted in the same spot.

They're true divas, but not difficult plants to care for. It is important, however, that you plant them at the right time and in the right way. If you give them a good start, you'll be rewarded with a wealth of flowers for years to come.

When should you plant peonies?

The best time to plant peonies is in the fall, from late September to early November. The soil is still warm from the summer, but not as dry. This gives the roots a chance to settle in before winter. This applies to both planting in the ground and in pots.

In a greenhouse, you can extend this period a bit, and even plant them in November or early December if the room isn't too cold or too wet. Indoors, too, make sure the peony gets plenty of natural light. Planting on a cloudy or slightly rainy day is ideal: then the soil is moist, and the plants don't have to perform any acrobatics to reach the water.

What is the best way to plant peonies?

In open ground

Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Peonies don't like wet feet. Dig a spacious planting hole about 30 cm deep and wide. For root cuttings (also called "claws"), place the plant horizontally with the buds facing up, just 3 to 5 cm below the surface – this depth is crucial.

Planted too deep? Then you'll get plenty of leaves but no flowers. Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost and, if necessary, add some perlite for better drainage. You'll find it in our potting soil collection .

In a pot or greenhouse

Do you live in an apartment or don't have a garden? No problem! You can also keep a peony in a pot on your patio or balcony. Choose a deep pot (at least 30 cm) and use fertile, well-draining soil. Add some hydroponic pebbles at the bottom of the pot and, if desired, pumice to prevent waterlogging.

In a greenhouse, it's important to have adequate ventilation in the fall. So place your peony near a window or vent and water sparingly – definitely don't let it sit soggy.

Caring for peonies after planting

Let your newly planted peonies overwinter without too much intervention. In spring, start fertilizing them carefully, for example, with an organic fertilizer for flowering plants. Water regularly, but always allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.

In the first year, you might not see any flowers. Don't panic! Peonies are secretly developing a strong root system. Give them time, and from the second year onwards, you can enjoy a profusion of flowers.

Which peonies should you choose? And where should you combine them?

There are several types of peonies: herbaceous peonies (the most common variety), tree peonies (a bit more exotic, with woody stems), and intersectional peonies (a mix of both). Herbaceous varieties are the easiest for beginning gardeners.

Combine them in your garden with plants that prefer the same sun and soil profile for a full, layered effect. Think salvia, lady's mantle, lavender, or ornamental grasses – you'll find plenty in our online collection .

Need tips on other plants that will work in your flower box or garden bed? Also check out our guides on planting dahlias or gladioli for an extra boost of color.

Houseplants as an alternative?

Not much of a gardener, or don't have a spot outdoors? Then choose houseplants with equally impressive blooms or leaf shapes. Alocasia Polly or the playful Monstera Minima are perfect alternatives as eye-catching additions to your home.

For something a little more classic, yet still special, the Spathiphyllum (peace lily) is another green friend with white flowers that can give you a bit of that peony feeling indoors.

In summary

Want to plant peonies? Do it in the fall, between late September and early November. Choose a cloudy or slightly rainy day, give them a sunny spot, and consider their planting depth carefully. They can thrive in the ground, a large pot, or a greenhouse—with a little TLC from you.

Feeling inspired to spruce up your garden? Then be sure to browse our selection of pots or discover our handy watering systems for when you're going on holiday.

Green happiness always starts with the right planting time – and for peonies, that's in autumn. Happy planting!