Peonies are beloved for their lush, fragrant blooms and incredible longevity—but they can also be a bit picky about where they’re planted. The secret to happy, healthy peonies starts underground, with the right soil conditions.
Here’s what you need to know to give your peonies the best possible start:
photo Krystina Olsen Studio
Well-Drained Soil Is Essential
Peonies do not like “wet feet.” Constantly soggy soil can lead to root rot, poor growth, or even plant death. Choose a site that drains well after rain and doesn’t stay waterlogged. If your soil tends to hold moisture, consider planting in a raised bed to improve drainage.
Adjust Soil Texture as Needed
Heavy Clay Soil: Peonies struggle in dense, compacted clay that traps water. To lighten it up, mix in coarse sand and compost before planting. This helps water drain freely and roots to spread more easily.
Sandy Soil: On the flip side, very sandy soil drains too quickly and doesn’t retain nutrients well. Add plenty of compost to enrich it and help hold moisture where your peonies need it most.
Clear Out Rocks and Debris
Remove rocks larger than a golf ball from the planting area. Big stones can block root growth and interfere with proper planting depth—both key to long-term success.
Feed the Soil Before and After Planting
When you’re ready to plant, mix 1–2 shovels of compost into the soil along with ¼ cup of bone meal to promote strong root development. Every 2–3 years, you can top up nutrients by sprinkling a balanced, all-purpose granular fertilizer in a “donut” around the plant (keeping it off the crown).
The Ideal Climate for Peonies
Peonies grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–7, where they get the winter chill they need to form buds. Some varieties can stretch into Zones 8–9 with special care and careful variety selection, but generally, peonies are happiest in cooler climates.
If your soil drains well, has the right balance of texture and nutrients, and stays moderately moist—but never soggy—you’ve got the foundation for thriving peonies that can bloom beautifully for decades.