Tree Peonies are grafted plants, with the woody peony growing on an herbaceous peony’s root system. This provides advantages in cold climates. One of the greatest mistakes in planting Tree Peonies is not planting them deeply enough. Grafted plants should have the graft union buried from 4″ to 6″ below the ground (or more) to be well protected from environmental changes. Deep planting promotes growth from below the ground and creates a fuller plant. Burying the root system deeply allows the stems to root quickly and encourages new bud formation below the ground.

Planting – Tree Peonies are grafted plants. When planting, add compost and bury the graft union (bulge on the main stem) 4-6″ below the soil surface. This will encourage more roots. After planting, only an inch or two of the woody stem may show above the ground. A partially shaded site, protected from the hot afternoon sun, will prolong the lives of its blossoms.

Fertilizing – To get your peonies off to a healthy start, we recommend at planting applying an application of Espoma Organic Bio Tone Starter Plus. The spring after they are planted, after flowering, fertilize with Espoma Organic Plant-Tone. This will give them the energy to recuperate from blooming and keep a healthy root system.

Pruning – Tree Peonies rarely need pruning except to remove dead wood, although they can be pruned to rejuvenate an old shrub or to maintain a desired shape and size. The best time to prune is early spring, just as their buds are swelling, yet Gardener, beware; you will be pruning off spring flowers.