UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Agricultural Research Administration 
Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering 
Beltsville, Maryland 
CULTURE OF PEONIES 
The peony is a very adaptable plant, hardy even in the Northern Plains States 
and Canada. Although cultivated mostly north of the latitude of Washington, D.C., 
and St. Louis, Mo., many varieties are grown successfully at least as far South as 
Wilmington, N.C., Central Alabama, and Northern Texas. In the South and in local- 
ities where hot weather comes early, the early and midseason varieties with rather 
open petalage and the singles are generally most satisfactory. These varieties 
also are fully as desirable farther north. The late sorts and those with tight 
buds having full petalage are at home in northern gardens where moderate tempera- 
tures and somewhat moist air bring them into bloom at their best. 
Peonies grow best in full sunlight but will tolerate some shade such as in 
open spaces between trees and shrubbery where the sun will reach them for several 
hours daily. Where shade is too dense or the roots are in competition with those 
of trees or shrubs they produce comparatively few flowers. They may refuse to 
bloom at all under such handicaps though the plants may seem to be in good condi- 
tion. While they appear to good advantage when planted by themselves, they also 
do well in association with other herbaceous plants in sunny positions. Spring- 
flowering bulbs may be placed near them with pleasing effects. The plants are 
long-lived and the clumps become quite large in time, requiring 3 or 4 feet of 
space for full development. 
Propagation is by division of plants 5 or more years of age. The divisions 
usually offered by nurserymen include from 3 to 5 buds or "eyes" with a portion 
of the roots. These standard divisions generally are preferable to those either 
larger or smaller. It is better to divide than to transplant an entire old clump 
in the hope of getting an abundance of flowers the first season. Often some of 
the buds of the clump will fail to develop, and after 2 or 3 years a plant grown 
from a division is likely to be much stronger and more productive than a large 
clump that has been transplanted. 
The preferred soil is deep fertile clay loam with a well-drained clay sub- 
soil, although peonies will thrive in any good garden soil fairly well provided 
with moisture. Good drainage is important as the roots will rot out in locations 
where water stands for some time during wet periods. It is desirable to prepare 
the soil in advance and allow the ground to settle before the plants are set out. 
For most garden conditions, digging and mixing the soil to a depth of 12 or even 
2 feet is recommended. For large plantings such depth would be impracticable 
but deep plowing and thorough working are required to give the roots the needed 
area for development. An application of lime such as would be suitable for gar- 
den vegetables may be desirable. If manure is used at all it is important to 
keep it from direct contact with the roots and crowns. 
The most favorable season for transplanting is in the fall from early Sept- 
ember through October or until the ground freezes. The divisions are set out so 
that the upper bud will be about 2 inches below the surface. Deep planting is to 
be avoided because abnormal growth starts from the crown and plants lack vigor 
when buds are buried several inches deep. The soil is pressed firmly around the 
roots and loose soil placed over the top. Each plant will need a space about 
3 feet in diameter. Where alternate freezing and thawing occur a mulch 2 or 3 
inches in depth will help prevent lifting and displacing the roots during the 
first winter. After the plants are established no mulch is needed. 
