Peony FAQ

No, you'll have flowers from the second year onwards! In the first year, you might see a single flower, but that's not always the case. A peony always needs some time to settle into a new spot.

Because we only sell the best quality peonies, many of our customers do see a flower in the first year.

No, we do not recommend planting a peony in a pot. Peonies need space to spread their roots, so they are best planted directly in the ground.

It is always more difficult for a peony to bloom in a pot. It often works in a very large container, but if you have the option, planting directly in the ground is truly the best.

The short answer: a lot! From the root tuber, the peony grows as a large perennial in a kind of shrub form.

In the first year, you won't have many stems and, if you're lucky, one or a few flowers, as the plant still needs to get used to its new spot. But the peony grows larger every year and produces more and more flowers. From about 4 years old, the peony is in its mature state and produces an abundance of flowers.

A root tuber grows into a large plant within 2 to 3 years. Take into account a space of 0.8 m2 to 1m2.

No, this is not necessary and even bad for a peony!

A peony is very winter-hardy and can withstand frost well. In fact, a peony really needs a cold period to fully rest during the winter months.

No, we do not recommend planting a peony in a pot. Peonies need space to spread their roots, so they are best planted directly in the ground.

It is always more difficult to get a peony to bloom in a pot. In a very large container, it often works, but if you have the option, planting them directly in the ground is truly best.

Plant a peony in full sun to partial shade.

A peony can be planted in any type of soil. However, it is important that the soil is well-draining and contains nutrients. If necessary, mix compost into the soil to make it more permeable and to add nutrients to the soil.

The previous peony may have left behind a disease or depleted the soil.

Have you removed an old peony and want to plant a new one in the same spot? You can dig out a section of soil and fill it with fresh garden soil to plant the new peony. Alternatively, plant a different plant there temporarily and then replant a peony after two years.

Always allow fresh land plants to soak in a bucket of water first. The plant can stay in the water for half an hour to an hour to replenish moisture after transport.

Plant the 'eyes' of a peony 3 centimeters below the soil. If the peony is planted too deeply, it will not produce flowers. It is advisable to mix compost into the topsoil. Be careful with fresh manure, as this can cause the core to rot.

All peonies bloom, depending on the weather, between late May and late June. However, some varieties bloom earlier than others.

This information is useful when planning your garden. If you plant an early-blooming, mid-blooming, and late-blooming peony, you will ensure that you can enjoy peonies in your garden for as long as possible.

Support your peony with a support ring for its large flowers. Fertilize the plant twice a year to stimulate growth, in autumn and in spring, after flowering. Preferably choose an organic fertilizer, as this nourishes the plant slowly over a longer period. In spring, also cut away any remaining leaves and stems.

It is advisable to divide the plant after about 8 or 9 years if you notice that flowering is decreasing. Dig up the plant and divide it. Replant the younger sections in a different spot in the garden. This way, your peony plant can last a lifetime!

Yes, for many types of peonies, it is wise to support the stems with a plant support. The flowers can become very heavy and droop.

It is best not to pick the flowers for the first 2 years, but only to cut off the faded flowers and leave the stems.

Harvest the flowers in the 'marshmallow' stage; The bud feels soft when you squeeze it. Our advice is to cut about a third of the flowers from a plant.

Cut above two sets of leaves, so that the plant can continue to grow well. Peonies last 7 to 10 days in the vase.

Yes, peonies are fantastic plants for a cutting garden. Long-lived perennials that can take a beating and produce many flowers year after year.

Read all our tips for peonies in a cutting garden here: https://clayandroots.com/blogs/nieuws/pioenrozen-in-de-pluktuin

These are fantastic peony varieties for the cutting garden:

- Peony Sarah Bernhardt

- Peony Alexander Fleming

- Peony Duchesse de Nemours

- Peony Mother's Choice

- Peony Vanilla Schnapps

- Peony Sunny Girl

We ship the tubers in the autumn and early spring during our Shipping Weeks. This is best for the plants.

Read more about our shipping weeks here.

Yes, it's wise to plant the peony as soon as possible after receiving it. This prevents the root tuber from drying out.

We pack the tuberous roots well so that they are protected during the journey to your garden. It may happen that a root breaks off, but that is not a problem. Please feel free to contact us if there is a lot of damage or if you have any questions!

Yes, we are so confident in the top quality of our peonies that we offer a 100% growth guarantee on our bare roots! For this season, our growth guarantee is valid until June 1, 2027. This allows you to purchase bare roots with complete peace of mind.

Would you like to make use of the growth guarantee scheme? Please send us an email by May 31, 2027, at the latest, to info@clayandroots.com, including your name, order number, and photos of the bare roots. Provided that the conditions and our planting instructions have been met, you will receive a refund or a replacement product.

You always have the right to return your plants within 14 days of receipt.

Read more about our return policy here