Growing Peonies: Bare Roots vs. Potted Plants

Peonies are a garden favorite, known for their lush blooms, delightful fragrance, and low-maintenance care. If you’re looking to add peonies to your landscape, you have two main options: planting bare roots in the fall or purchasing potted peonies from a garden center in the spring. Both methods can lead to stunning blooms, but each comes with its own benefits. Let’s explore the differences so you can decide which is best for your garden!

1- Planting Bare Root Peonies, Fall Planting

Bare root peonies are dormant peony divisions, typically sold in late summer and early fall. This is the preferred method for seasoned gardeners and peony enthusiasts because it allows the plants to establish strong root systems before winter. 

Pros of Bare Root Peonies

• Best Selection: You will find a wider variety of peonies (including rare and specialty varieties) when purchasing bare roots from reputable growers. Peony roots ship really well, so you are not limited to what your local garden center has to offer. 

• More Affordable: Bare roots are generally less expensive that potted plants of the same variety. 

Cons of Bare Root Peonies

• Patience Required:  Bare roots may take 1-2 years to produce blooms as they focus on root development.

• Precise Planting Needed: They must be planted at the correct depth (no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface) to bloom properly. 

2- Buying Potted Peonies, Spring Planting

Potted peonies are already growing plants sold at garden centers in spring and early summer. This method is ideal for beginners or those who want instant greenery in their garden.

Pros of Potted Peonies

• Instant Gratification: ou get a leafy, growing plant right away, with the possibility of first-year blooms.

• Easier to Plant: Simply dig a hole and transplant, no need to worry about depth as much as with bare roots.

Cons of Potted Peonies

• Limited Variety: Garden centers often stock only common peony varieties, so your choices may be restricted.

• Higher Cost: Potted peonies are generally more expensive than bare roots.

• Slower to Establish: Since they’re actively growing when transplanted, potted peonies may take longer to settle in and thrive.

Which Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the best long-term results, unique varieties, and stronger plants, bare root peonies in fall are the way to go. But if you’re a beginner gardener, missed fall planting, or just want instant results, potted peonies in spring can be a great choice.

Regardless of which method you choose, peonies reward patience. Once established, they’ll grace your garden with breathtaking blooms for decades, a true investment in beauty!

Ready to plant? Shop our Peony Roots Collection and check out our Peony Root Planting Guide.