Which Peonies to Get

Figuring out which peonies to get depends on your needs. Here are some ways of figuring out what kind of peony you should get:

Award winners: peonies that have won medals at gardening shows

Bad weather: peonies that can stand up to rain & wind, or to lots of heat

Bloom time: you want peonies that flower at certain times during the blooming season

Botanical type: you choose them by botanical type (particular species or hybrid)

Cheap: you want inexpensive peonies

Colour: you want white, pink, red, coral, or yellow peonies

Fade resistant: peonies that won't fade in bright sunshine

Form: you want peony flowers of a particular shape (single, double, Japanese, etc.)

Fragrance: you want really fragrant (or, perhaps, completely unscented) peonies

Heights: you want peonies of a certain height

My Favourites: my list of favourite peonies

No staking: peonies that don't need support

Wild things: peonies that are close to their wild forms (i.e. species peonies)

Where to Get Peonies

If you're lucky, you have a source of free peonies. Otherwise you'll have to buy them like everybody else:

Free Peonies

People who have peonies will sometimes "divide" them. In other words, if the peonies are getting too large and starting to crowd each other, the roots can be dug up (in early fall) and divided. Some of the root divisions go back in the ground. Others can be given to family, friends, and neighbours.

If you are lucky enough to know someone who is giving away peony divisions (also called root stock), you have a source of free peonies. Just plant them according to the instructions I provide in the section on Planting Peonies, and you are all set.

Where to Buy Peonies

You can buy peonies at any nursery, garden centre, or large hardware store. They are sold either as root stock (i.e. pieces or divisions of peony roots), or as already potted plants.

In addition, there are many nurseries that specialize in growing and selling peonies.

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