The long-lived peony is a popular perennial, often sought after by gardeners for a beautiful addition to their landscape. Many people search for these plants using the term “peony bulbs,” but this is a common misnomer. Unlike tulips or daffodils, which grow from true bulbs, peonies are grown from a bare root division—a section of the mature plant’s subterranean structure. Understanding the distinct appearance of this bare root is the first step toward successfully growing these classic flowers.
The True Appearance of Peony Roots
A dormant peony bare root looks quite different from the layered, symmetrical structure of a true bulb. The overall structure is irregular and chunky, forming a dense cluster of thick, fleshy storage tubers. These roots are not uniform; they often form a gnarled wad that resembles a tangled group of sweet potatoes or thick carrots.
The color of a healthy dormant root is typically a tan, brown, or reddish-brown hue. These thick, tuberous sections are the plant’s food reservoir, storing the moisture and energy necessary to survive winter and fuel new growth in the spring.
Key Features for Identification
The peony root system consists of several distinct anatomical parts important for successful planting. The central, woody area where the roots converge is known as the crown. This crown tissue is the location where the plant produces the vegetative buds for the next season’s growth.
These dormant buds are called “eyes.” They appear as small, pointed growths, often colored pink, white, or red, scattered across the top of the crown. The eyes are pre-formed stems, leaves, and flowers waiting to emerge. Below the crown are the thick, fleshy storage roots and smaller, thin fibrous roots that absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Selecting a Healthy Peony Root
When purchasing or dividing a peony, the visual condition of the bare root indicates its health and future performance. A high-quality root division should feel firm and solid to the touch, with no soft, mushy, or brittle sections. Any signs of mold, rot, or blackened areas suggest decay and should be avoided.
The number of eyes present on the crown is the most important factor in determining the root’s quality. Healthy divisions should have at least three to five visible eyes. Divisions with multiple eyes are considered the industry standard and are likely to produce more vigorous growth and earlier blooms. A mature division should also have sufficient root mass, typically weighing at least four to six ounces, to support the new top growth.