Many people search for a “peony bulb,” using the common term for any underground storage organ. However, the planting material for a peony is not a true bulb like a tulip or daffodil; it is botanically classified as a root crown division. This specialized structure is the perennial base of the plant, divided to propagate a new individual. Understanding the physical appearance of this root crown is the first step toward successful establishment.
The Anatomy and Appearance of the Peony Root Crown
A healthy, dormant peony division is a dense, irregularly shaped mass of tissue with distinct components. The central, thickest section is the crown, which is modified stem tissue from which both the shoots and storage roots emerge. The crown is firm and woody, indicating a robust reserve of stored energy.
Extending from the crown are the tuberous roots, which are thick and fleshy, resembling carrots or sweet potatoes, and may be three to five inches long. These roots are the primary storage reservoirs for carbohydrates, fueling the plant’s initial growth. They are typically light tan, brown, or reddish-brown, and should feel solid and plump, not shriveled or soft.
The most telling feature is the presence of “eyes,” which are the dormant growth buds for the upcoming season. These eyes appear as small, pointy nodes emerging directly from the crown tissue. They are usually reddish, pink, or pale white, confirming the division is viable and ready to produce new stems, leaves, and flowers.
Clarifying Peony Terminology: Why It’s Not a True Bulb
The botanical distinction between a peony root crown and a true bulb lies in their internal structure and tissue composition. A true bulb, such as a tulip, is a modified stem surrounded by fleshy, layered scales that are actually modified leaves.
The peony structure, conversely, is classified as a collection of tuberous roots attached to a root crown. The tuberous roots are swollen portions of the actual root tissue meant for food storage, rather than modified stem or leaf tissue. The growth buds, or eyes, are formed on the crown (stem tissue), not within the layers of a spherical, leaf-based bulb. This fundamental difference in anatomy is why the peony requires specific, shallow planting depths, unlike the deeper planting required for many true bulbs.
Selecting and Preparing the Root for Planting
When acquiring a peony division, inspect the root mass for visual indicators of quality and viability. A good division should have at least three to five healthy eyes, which is the standard for rapid establishment and earlier blooming. The entire division should be firm and heavy for its size, confirming it has adequate stored energy.
If you cannot plant the division immediately, keep it slightly moist and cool, perhaps wrapped in damp material and stored in a refrigerator for a short time. Before planting, soaking the roots for a couple of hours can rehydrate the tissue after handling or shipping.
The orientation of the root crown is important; position the division so all visible eyes point upward. The most important preparation step is ensuring the correct planting depth. The eyes must be placed very shallowly, only one to two inches below the soil surface, because planting the crown too deeply is the most common reason a peony fails to flower.