Last Updated on July 17, 2022 by Cristina
A peony flower is one of the best-loved flowers to grow in your garden; in this article, we will look at how to root a peony.
If you are interested in growing peonies in your garden, then you should know that they have a long growing season (usually from late May to early September) and therefore it is important to start your plants in time. You can also grow peonies indoors. It’s not as hard as it may seem, but you do need to make sure that you have enough space for the plants to grow.
How To Root A Peony
The most important thing to consider when rooting peonies is whether or not you want a double or single-rooted plant. Peonies with a single root tend to be more resilient and therefore better suited to outdoor conditions than those that have two roots.
If you are unsure of what kind of root you want, it is best to get a double-rooted peony as they can be grown together and can be divided in autumn if required.
Single Rooted Peonies
If you want to grow a single-rooted peony, the first thing to do is to dig up the plant and replant it into a pot. Ensure that the roots of the plant are well-established, then carefully tease them out of the ground. Once the roots have been removed from the pot, place the pot in a larger container of water. Keep the pot at room temperature until the roots have grown back and are about the same size as the original roots.
Double Rooted Peonies – How To Root A Peony
The next step is to replant the peony in its original pot. To ensure that the roots remain separate, fill the hole in the ground with soil. The hole should be deep enough so that the roots of the peony are just above the surface.
When the roots have become established, gently tease them out of the pot. You can either leave the roots in the pot or carefully remove them and replant them. To replant a double-rooted peony, you need to make sure that there are no large root clusters remaining in the pot.
Take the plant out of the pot and shake off as much soil as possible from the roots. Make sure that the root balls are completely dry before replanting. Plant the roots in a hole that is twice as big as the root ball.
Growing Peonies
There are many different varieties of peony available. Most are hardy perennials, which means that they will survive year-round in the garden. However, they do like some protection from cold winds. It is best to plant peonies in spring or early summer (March to early June) so that they have time to establish before the weather turns very cold.
It is also important to choose the right spot in your garden for them. They are not fussy about where they are planted, but they need good drainage and full sun. You can plant them on a border, woodland edge, or shrubbery area. You should plant them at least 1.5m apart and allow them to grow for around four years before dividing. You can also grow peonies indoors.
The following varieties of peony have been selected for their colourful blooms, hardiness and ease of growing.
‘Bertie’
This is one of the most popular peonies on the market today. Its flowers are a brilliant shade of pink with a hint of white. It has a compact habit and grows to around 60cm tall. ‘Bertie’ is easy to grow, but it will need a good deal of space if you want to grow it on a border.
‘Gloria’ – How To Root A Peony
This is a hardy peony that has a beautiful flower with a pale blush colour. It is best suited to a woodland edge or a shrubbery area as it does not like to be planted on a border. It grows to around 90cm tall and has a compact habit. It is best to divide it every three years and is easy to grow.
‘Harlequin’
‘Harlequin’ has large, double blooms with dark red centres and yellow petals. It has a very compact habit and grows to around 75cm tall. ‘Harlequin’ is easy to grow and divides well, but you should plant it at least 1.5m apart so that it does not become overcrowded. It is good for planting on borders.
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‘King Edward’
This is a very hardy peony that will survive in most areas of the UK. Its flowers are a vivid shade of pink with purple centres. It has a compact habit and grows to around 60cm tall. It is best suited to a woodland edge or a shrubbery area as it does not like to be planted on a border.
Summary – How To Root A Peony
It is easy to learn how to root a peony whether you choose to root them as single or double-rooted peonies. Following this article will help you get some information on how to root a peony with ease. Good luck in your gardening journey.
FAQ’s
Can the peony be rooted in water?
The answer is yes, but it is not recommended because it may lead to root rot. In addition, it may cause the root system to become stunted. However, if you have a pot that is deep enough, you can try this method. You will need to keep the pot moist and make sure to mist it every day. Do not allow the roots to dry out completely.
Can I take a cutting from a peony?
Yes. It is best to take cuttings in the spring or fall. In the spring, you should wait until the new growth starts to emerge from the buds. When you take a cutting, leave about an inch of stem. Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and wrap it with newspaper or cellophane. Set the cutting in a tray of water, and keep the tray on a sunny windowsill for four weeks. In the fall, take cuttings at the time of dormancy, which usually occurs in the early to mid-autumn. Cuttings should be taken from the center of the plant so that they will be strong and healthy. After the cuttings have grown for three weeks, they can be planted in the garden.
Do peonies grow from a bulb?
Yes. Peonies do not require a cold period, but they are best started indoors, or in a cool greenhouse. You can start your peony plants from seed, or you can take stem cuttings. To make a cutting, take a bud from the center of the plant. Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and wrap it with newspaper or cellophane. Set the cutting in a tray of water, and keep the tray on a sunny windowsill for four weeks.
Do peonies grow back after being cut?
Yes. Peonies are deciduous, so they lose their leaves in the fall. In the spring, the plants bloom again. Some varieties have white, pink, or red flowers.
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive
