PLANTING YOUR LYNDAKER FARMS' PEONY
To ensure a successful peony planting we recommend the following steps:
PLANT YOUR BARE-ROOT DIVISIONS IN THE FALL.
We only divide and ship peony divisions in the Fall. Dividing and planting at other times will unnecessarily stress the plant and could affect vigour.
Here in Zone 4, we usually try to have our bare-root peonies in the ground no later than the end of October, however have sometimes planted up to late November.
Once you receive your roots in the fall, we recommend that you plant them as soon as possible.
Re-hydrate your Root.
Your root has been divided and then shipped. Dehydration isn’t common but can occur.
In order to re-hydrate roots, soak in clean water for ~10 minutes. Roots can then be immediately planted.
(If you are dividing your own peony roots and are able to plant the new division immediately after you’ve divided them, then you can skip this step!)
understand the anatomy of your Peony.
To plant your bare root peony correctly, you first must understand its anatomy.
So if you can’t tell a peony’s crown from its eyes from its roots, then we encourage you to watch this video where I explain all three!
Please note, the anatomy discussed in the above video holds true for Herbaceous, Itoh and Divided Tree Peonies (on their own roots). That said, if you want an in-depth view of a divided Tree Peony, please see the the Tree Peony Division Planting video inline below.
The Peony Division video mentioned in the above video can be found on the Peony Maintenance page.
MAKE A LARGE PLANTING HOLE TO EASILY ACCOMMODATE THE ROOTS.
You do not want to "squeeze" your peony root into the hole. We typically dig an approximately 1'x1' hole for our herbaceous and itoh peonies and a 1.5x1.5' foot hole for tree peonies.
If your soil is compacted, you may consider digging even larger holes than those listed above. This will ensure the plant has space to expand, despite the somewhat challenging growing conditions.
FOR HERBACEOUS & ITOHs, PLANT Base of Eye NO Deeper THAN 2" BELOW SOIL SURFACE.
Peonies planted too deeply may flower poorly. The general guidance is to plant peony crowns no deeper than 2 inches. However, this can vary by climate.
For Colder climates (zone 2-5): Gardeners in the North can feel safe following the 2” planting depth rule.
For Warmer climates (Zones 6-8): In warmer zones, I understand that gardeners intentionally plant their peonies less than 2" deep. In Zone 6, you could consider planting your peony at 1” - 1.5.” In Zones 7 and 8, you could consider 1” or slightly shallower. This shallower planting helps ensure the root gets a good chill in the winter, which the plant needs in order to flower well.
If you’re growing peonies in a warmer climate and want to adjust planting depth, talk to experienced peony gardeners in your area. They can tell you what depths work for them.
In the video below I go into more detail on how to ensure planting depth is correct. Just remember, no matter your zone, you’re better off erring on the side of planting Herbaceous and Itohs too shallowly.
For tree peonies with a Graft, Plant the Graft at least 4 inches below Soil Surface.
Please note, currently Lyndaker Farms is only selling tree peonies on their own roots. For that planting guidance see the next section. If however, you have a grafted tree peony you’re moving or have purchased from another grower, the guidance will help with that.
To ensure your grafted peony develops its own root system, make sure the graft is buried at least 4” below soil surface.
This planting depth is consistent for all growing zones.
With tree peonies, if in doubt, always err on the side of planting Tree Peonies too deeply.
For Tree Peonies on their own roots, Make sure the crown is at least 4 inches below Soil Surface
If you buy a Tree Peony division from us, that peony will have its own root system. It will not be supported by a nurse root.
Please note, in some cases, portions of an old nurse root may still be visible, however the plant no longer relies on that root to survive.
Even once tree peonies are on their own roots, we continue to plant them deeply. We make sure the crown is a minimum of 4” below the soil surface.
This planting depth is consistent for all growing zones.
With tree peonies, if in doubt, always err on the side of planting Tree Peonies too deeply.
If you want to understand more about Tree Peony Divisions and how to plant them, this video will show you:
1) A Tree Peony Division’s anatomy and
2) How to plant a Tree Peony Division
PLACE THE PEONY IN THE HOLE.
When placing the peony root in the hole, we recommend that you first gently spread out the roots. Then put dirt into the first 6-8 inches of the hole. Place the spread-out roots on top of the mound of dirt with the crown side up.
At that point, confirm that the crown is no more that 2" deeper than the soil surface (herbaceous and itohs) or for Tree Peonies, that the graft or crown is buried at least 4” below soil surface.
You may choose to water at this stage, just to help eliminate air pockets.
To finish the planting, you then cover the root with soil until the hole is filled to the existing soil surface level.
Water again to remove air pockets.
IN COLDER AREAS, CONSIDER MULCHING FOR THE FIRST WINTER ONLY.
In the colder regions, this protects the new planting from heaving during the winter. The mulch is only needed the first winter and should be removed immediately in the spring. We recommend mulch for peonies growing in Zones 2-5.