If you’ve ever seen a peony in full bloom, you know exactly why they’re one of the most beloved garden flowers. They’re lush, romantic, and make the most stunning cut bouquets. One of the very first things I did after moving into our new home was plant 10 peony bulbs—I couldn’t imagine a garden without them!
Even though their blooming season is heartbreakingly short (seriously, one flush of flowers and that’s it 😭), I still think every garden needs at least a few peony plants. They’re dramatic, fragrant, and worth every bit of their short-lived glory.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to grow peonies in your own garden—from planting tips to long-term care—so you can enjoy these showstoppers in your outdoor space, too.
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Why I Love Growing Peonies
Peonies are, hands down, my favorite flower. There’s something so special about their huge, ruffled blooms—whether in blush pinks, creamy whites, or deep magentas. They add an elegant, timeless charm to any garden bed and look incredible in vases. The only downside? Peonies bloom just once a year. 😭
To balance that short season, I’ve planted tons of roses in my garden as well. Roses have a longer bloom time, so together they give me flowers from spring through fall.
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How to Grow Peonies: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Know Your Growing Zone
Peonies love the cold! They require a winter chill to bloom properly, so they thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8. If you live in a warmer climate, peonies may not flower well—or at all—due to the lack of winter dormancy.
2. Pick the Right Spot
Location is everything when it comes to growing healthy peonies. Here’s what they need:
• Well-draining soil: Avoid soggy spots. Peonies hate having “wet feet” and prefer soil that drains well.
• Permanent placement: Peonies don’t like being moved. Choose their home carefully, because once planted, they prefer to stay put for many years.
3. Planting Peonies: Bulbs vs. Plants
Here’s what I’ve learned: Buy peony plants in the spring instead of planting bulbs (also called bare roots) if you want quicker results.
• Full sun: Peonies need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A bright, sunny location is essential for strong stems and abundant blooms.
• Peony bulbs can take 2–3 years to bloom, and they’re super picky about planting depth.
• Potted peony plants from retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot are more beginner-friendly. You’ll typically get blooms the following season!
If you are planting bulbs, be sure not to plant them too deep. The eyes (buds) of the tuber should be no more than 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep is one of the top reasons peonies don’t bloom.
4. Avoid Mulching and Over-Care
Peonies are wonderfully low-maintenance once established:
• Don’t mulch around the crown. It can lead to rot.
• No need to fertilize every year. A bit of compost in early spring is more than enough.
• Water sparingly. Established peonies are drought-tolerant and don’t like soggy soil.
My favorite companion plants are seen below: Gaura, roses, salvia, catmint and chives.
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Where to Buy Peonies
You can find peonies at most big-box garden centers in the spring. I’ve had great luck at Lowe’s and Home Depot, especially with pre-potted plants. You can also order specialty varieties online, but be sure to check your planting zone before buying.
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Final Thoughts: Peonies Are Worth the Wait
Even though peonies only bloom for a few magical weeks each year, they’re totally worth it. Once planted in the right spot, they’ll come back stronger every year with no extra effort. If you’ve been thinking about adding peonies to your garden, go for it! Now that you know how to grow peonies, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying their breathtaking blooms year after year.
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Related Posts You Might Love:
My David Austin Rose Garden
I hope you take inspiration from this post and plant beautiful peonies in your home as well!
