Peonies are a desired garden addition, known for their large, often fragrant blooms and remarkable longevity, frequently thriving for decades. When purchasing these flowering perennials, gardeners are actually looking for the plant’s root, which is a fleshy tuber, rather than a true bulb. Peonies are typically sold as bare-root divisions, sections of the root crown harvested when the plant is dormant. This bare-root form is the most common and effective way to establish a new peony plant.
Purchasing Peony Roots Locally
Acquiring peony roots from a physical location offers immediate gratification and allows for a hands-on quality inspection before purchase. Local independent nurseries often provide higher-quality stock and specialized advice tailored to the regional climate. These local experts can offer guidance on varieties that perform best in specific microclimates and soil conditions.
Big-box garden centers provide convenience and generally lower prices, but the quality of the roots can vary significantly. Packaged roots at these stores may have been harvested or stored for longer periods, increasing the chance of desiccation or mold. Local availability usually peaks in the fall, which is the preferred planting season, but roots may also appear in early spring.
The main disadvantage of buying locally is the limited selection, as most nurseries carry only the most popular or well-known herbaceous varieties. While you can physically examine the root, you are restricted to the varieties the store has chosen to stock. A local purchase is often suitable for a gardener looking for a quick start with a common variety.
Ordering Peony Roots from Online Specialists
Specialized mail-order nurseries are the primary source for the widest selection of peony varieties, including rarer types not found locally. These specialists provide access to unique cultivars like the Intersectional (Itoh) peonies, which are crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies, or various tree peony types. The roots are typically harvested and shipped when the plant is fully dormant in the autumn, ensuring the best chance for successful establishment.
The pre-ordering process with these vendors often begins many months in advance, sometimes even before the roots are harvested. This early commitment is necessary to secure highly desired or limited-stock varieties before they sell out. When choosing an online source, it is important to research the vendor’s reputation and read customer reviews to ensure the authenticity and quality of the root stock.
Roots are usually shipped in late September through October, allowing gardeners to plant them six weeks before the first hard frost. This fall timing is crucial because it gives the root time to develop feeder roots before the ground freezes. While the roots arrive dormant and bare, a reputable specialist will guarantee a healthy, viable root with a specified number of growth points.
Evaluating Quality Before You Buy
Assessing the health and viability of a bare-root peony division is important for planting success, regardless of the source. A healthy root should feel firm and heavy, with no mushy or excessively dried-out sections. The color of the root should be an even brown, and any black coloration may indicate overwatering or disease issues during cultivation.
The most important feature to check is the presence of “eyes,” which are the small, pink or white growth buds located on the crown of the root. These eyes contain the structures that will grow into the stems, leaves, and flowers. Industry standards suggest that a quality division should possess a minimum of three to five visible eyes for quick establishment and flowering.
Roots with fewer than three eyes will still grow but will take significantly longer to reach a mature flowering size. The root should also have a substantial mass of fleshy storage roots attached to the crown to provide the necessary energy for the first few years of growth. Avoiding roots that show signs of mold or excessive breakage will help ensure a successful start for the long-lived plant.