Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Thompson & Morgan Horticultural Team
Few plants can compete with a mature tree peony smothered by more than a hundred exotic blooms
Image: Tree Peony ‘Luoyang Hong’ from T&M
Bare root peonies can be ordered from late autumn and should be planted as soon as they arrive between October and March. Whether you choose herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) or tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa), the planting time for all bare root varieties remains the same. We asked professional gardener and trained horticulturist Sue Russell how she plants her favourite bare root peonies. Here’s what she said…
In the meantime, see our full range of bare root plants and trees for more winter-planting ideas.
My favourite tree peonies
The richly scented blooms of Peony ‘Sorbet’ are an elegant showstopper
Image: Peony ‘Sorbet’ from T&M
I’ve been working as a gardener on a Private Estate for about 14 years, during which time I’ve seen the garden develop, hedges disappear, planting schemes change and new borders emerge. So, on a bright and warm day in February, I was excited to plant the tree peonies I’d ordered:
- Peony ‘Luoyang Hong’ – I particularly like the lime green leaves with the rich cerise pink flower
- Peony ‘Feng Dan Bai’ – for its lovely open white flowers
- Peony ‘Sorbet’ – for the gorgeous scented, triple-layered, pale pink petals
Why choose bare rooted peonies?
Bare root plants being delivered and planted
©Thompson&Morgan
Bare root plants and trees are supplied in a dormant state. They’re easily transported at this time of year without any soil on their roots, but should be planted as soon as they arrive.
Many bare root tree peonies are dug up and delivered in late winter, at the optimum time to replant them. Provided the soil isn’t frozen when they arrive, get them in the ground as soon as you can. Then when the warmer weather comes, they’ll be ready and waiting to burst into life. I’m planting my tree peonies into a border which already has perennial geraniums (Cranesbill) growing. I think they’ll look great together!
Here’s how to plant bare root tree peonies:
- Soak the roots for at least an hour to hydrate them.
- Think carefully about where you want to grow your tree peonies. Once planted, they last a lifetime!
- Dig holes in the border, and remove any weeds from the area.
- I like to add chicken manure pellets to the planting hole. This slow release feed helps hungry plants establish.
- Plant the peonies into the hole and water them in well.
- Continue to water your tree peonies for their first season, while they’re getting established in their new position.
When you order bare roots, it does feel a bit like planting a ‘stick’, but I can safely say that they do eventually spring into life and will reward you with many years of colour and interest. Looking for a cost-effective way to renew a border? Why not try a professionally curated bare root saver collection that’s packed with interesting varieties to provide colour from spring through to autumn. For more helpful tips, Sue Sanderson’s video guide to planting bare roots is worth a quick watch.
One of my earliest memories; helping my Mum and Dad weed the veggie plot and collecting chicken eggs from the chooks at the end of the garden. I grew up on a farm as a child and always had my own piece of land to grow and learn with, so I suppose its in the blood!
In my mid twenties, I re trained in Horticulture (Professional Gardening ANCH) and set up my own Gardening business working for clients in the Suffolk/Essex area. For the last thirteen years I’ve had the pleasure of working on a private twenty five acre estate tending to the grounds.
In 2016, I joined the team at Thompson and Morgan in the Customer Care department.
Also season ticket holder at Ipswich Town Football Club!!
Just received bare root peonies from T and M
They are in plastic bags and feel damp.
Can I keep them in the bags till spring. Or shall I put in a pot ????
Hello – You will need to plant them now. Keeping them in the bags will cause them to rot. If you don’t want to plant them out in the garden yet then simply pot them up and grow them on in containers until you are ready to plant them out properly.
All the best
Sue
Hi. My bare root arrived but lots of damaged and broken off bits of green and white roots loose in the bag. Also no sticks growing from it. Is the root dead already or will it still spring to life when planted? I’m a bit disappointed with what I’ve received but I suppose I didn’t really know what it would be like on arrival. Your blog suggests something much bigger will arrive. Thank you
Hello – I’ve passed your details to our customer care team. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to help you.
All the best
Sue
PLANTED BARE ROOT PEONIE HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE IT COMING UP
Hello
Bare root peonies will usually take around 6 weeks to produce some decent foliage from a spring planting. They won’t always flower in their first year though as they are busy establishing themselves.
All the best
Sue
Just received bare root peonies from T&M on 15th May after waiting ages.
I cannot see them growing much when this blog says that they should have been in the ground in March
Hi Robert
We sincerely apologize that your plants were delayed – but I’m glad to hear that you have finally received them now. Please rest assured that they can still be planted now. They will quickly catch up on any growth that would have been made, had they been planted earlier on. Although we would recommend that they are normally planted around March/ April, this is really just a guide. We have had quite a cool spring and the soil should still have plenty of moisture to ensure that they get off to a good start. If you need any guidance on their care please take a look at our video on How to plant peonies https://youtu.be/qb8ZJaFpFJw
Once again, I apologize for the delay, but hope that you are able to enjoy your Peonies for many years to come.
Best wishes
Sue
Can I keep peony roots in water to root…befor transplanting to new lication?
Hello
Hello
I would avoid keeping them submerged in water as this may cause them to rot. If you are moving them then it’s best to transplant them to their new location straight away, but if this isn’t possible then pot them up into a container in some damp compost. You may want to let them root in to the container and plant them back out in the garden in autumn when the soil is not so dry.
All the best
Sue