Remember “eyes up” when planting peony roots

Whether you’re dividing your own peony or you are receving one in the mail doesn’t matter. If you’re planting a root this time of year it’s very important to get it in the ground the right way!

The eyes of the peony are the little white or pink buds that will become next year’s stems, leaves and flowers.

When planting, those eyes should point up toward the sky.

Depth is important too.

• For the coldest zones 3-5, those eyes should be about 1.5” to 2” below the surface of the soil.

• For zones 6-7, the eyes should be about an inch below the surface.

• And for zone 8, the eyes should be just below the surface about .5”.

When planted, no part of the peony root should be above the surface.

Peony roots grow down and outward. Different varieties come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and even a variation in the color of the roots. Let the eyes dictate the orientation of the root in the hole.