It’s Peony Season! Here’s How to Grow Them Beautifully

There’s nothing quite like peony season. Those big, ruffled blooms steal the show in any garden. One of the first plants I grew in my garden was peonies and I have learned over the years that with a little care, they’ll come back bigger and better each year. Here are my tips to help you get big, gorgeous blooms. 

1. Plant for the Long Game

Peonies love consistency. Choose a sunny spot (they need at least 6 hours a day) with well-drained soil. Once planted, they don’t like to be transplanted so pick your spot wisely.

2. Don’t Plant Too Deep

One of the biggest mistakes I've made is planting peonies too deep. Make sure the eyes (those little pink or red buds) are no more than 1–2 inches below the surface.

3. Give Them Room to Breathe

Peonies can get big and bushy. Give them about 3–4 feet of space between plants to keep air flowing and reduce the risk of mildew.

4. Support the Blooms

Those gorgeous, heavy blooms need a little help staying upright. I use a simple peony ring or garden supports early in the season before the buds open.

5. Patience Pays Off

Peonies take a year or two to really settle in. But once they do, they’ll bloom for decades. Trust the process—and enjoy the magic when it arrives.

Share your tips with me on what you do to keep your peonies happy!