Peonies are highly valued garden perennials known for their lush, showy blooms and ability to flourish in the same location for decades. They are nearly always purchased as root divisions, commonly called bare roots, rather than true bulbs like tulips or daffodils. The bare root is a piece of the subterranean crown that contains the necessary structures to grow new stems and flowers. Understanding the correct purchase timing and securing healthy divisions is important for establishing a robust, long-lived plant.
Optimal Season for Buying and Planting
The timing of purchase and planting is a significant factor in the long-term success of the plant. Late summer through early fall, typically September to November, is the recommended window for planting bare root peonies in most regions. Planting during this time allows the root system to establish itself in the still-warm soil before the ground freezes. This pre-winter establishment helps the plant dedicate its energy to forming strong roots rather than immediate top growth.
Peonies require a sustained period of cold temperatures, known as chilling, to initiate hormonal changes for bud development and flowering. While pre-potted peonies are often available in garden centers during the spring, dormant bare roots planted in autumn provide the best foundation for future growth. Fall planting ensures the plant receives the required cold exposure directly in the ground, encouraging reliable blooming in subsequent years.
Retail Sources for Peony Roots
The best place to purchase bare roots depends on the desired variety and the buyer’s budget. Specialty online nurseries offer the widest selection, including rare and newer hybrid types like Itoh (intersectional) peonies or Tree Peonies. These specialized growers generally provide guaranteed quality and correct variety labeling, which is helpful when investing in more costly hybrids. Ordering online allows enthusiasts to secure specific cultivars that are not typically available locally.
Local garden centers and independent nurseries are good sources for common herbaceous varieties, such as Paeonia lactiflora. These local sources provide expert regional advice, helping buyers select varieties that perform well in the specific climate. They typically offer bare roots fresh-packaged in the fall or sometimes sell them already growing in containers during the spring.
Mass market retailers and big box stores offer the lowest cost and greatest convenience. However, the quality of the roots from these sources is often variable, and there is a higher risk of receiving dried-out or mislabeled stock. Buyers should be cautious and immediately inspect the bare root packaging for signs of health and vitality upon purchase.
Identifying High-Quality Bare Roots
A rigorous inspection of the bare root is necessary to ensure a healthy start. The most important feature to check is the presence of visible pink, red, or white “eyes,” which are the dormant buds where new stems will emerge. These eyes are next season’s growth and must be intact for the plant to successfully break dormancy.
A healthy bare root division should be substantial, with the industry standard suggesting a minimum of three to five eyes per root. Roots with a higher number of eyes, such as five to seven, will generally establish themselves and produce blooms faster than smaller divisions. The root itself should feel plump, firm, and woody to the touch, indicating good vitality and sufficient moisture content.
Avoid any roots that appear soft, mushy, or moldy, as these signs suggest rot or improper storage conditions. Shriveled or excessively dry bare roots should also be avoided, as they may have lost too much energy or moisture to establish successfully. Look for evenly brown-colored roots, which is a sign of healthy cultivation, and ensure the variety label is clearly attached, especially for unique cultivars.