2026 Bare Rooted Peonies

We will be dispatching ordered peonies by the end of June.

2026 orders are closed. The next opening will be in March 2027.

Ordering Information

Romswood Farm offers bare-root peonies for a limited seasonal window, available to order from March through to the end of April.
All orders are carefully prepared and dispatched by the end of June, ready for winter planting.

• Herbaceous Peonies — $35 per plant (5 for $150)

• Itoh (Intersectional) Peonies — $65 per plant

Why Grow Peonies?

Peonies are among the most rewarding garden plants, producing spectacular blooms in spring, followed by lush, attractive foliage throughout summer.

Once established, they require very little maintenance, making them an excellent long-term addition to your garden.

Choosing the Right Type

• Herbaceous Peonies
  Require a cold winter, including approximately 50–80 hours of frost, to encourage reliable flowering.

• Itoh (Intersectional) Peonies
  Better suited to milder climates, as whilst they will do well in frosty areas, they do not require the same level of winter chill. These are an excellent choice for areas where frosts are infrequent.

Planting & Position

For best results, plant your peonies in winter, when they are dormant.

• Choose a position in full sun or partial shade

• Ensure the soil is fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained

• Aim for good air circulation around the plant

• Provide shelter from strong winds where possible

• Peonies prefer a neutral soil pH

⚠️ Important: Peonies do not respond well to transplanting, so choose your planting position carefully from the start.

A Lifetime in Your Garden

Peonies are incredibly long-lived perennials, often thriving for 50 to 70 years.

With the right planting and care, you’ll be rewarded with decades of beautiful blooms, making them a truly special and enduring feature in any garden.

Peonies are long‑lived plants, so taking a little care at planting time will reward you with decades of beautiful blooms.

1. Choose the Right Position

Select a sunny, well‑drained spot. Peonies dislike soggy soil and need good air circulation.

2. Prepare the Soil

Dig a generous hole, approximately 60 cm deep and wide.

• If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, improve it with plenty of well‑rotted compost.

• Add about one cup of bonemeal to the planting hole and mix it into the soil.

• Firm the soil at the base of the hole so the rhizome won’t sink after planting.

3. Position the Rhizome Correctly

Place the peony rhizome on top of the firmed soil with the eyes (buds) facing upwards.

• The eyes should sit no more than 5 cm (2 inches) below the soil surface.

• Eyes sometimes face in different directions. If you’re unsure which way is up, look for the remains of last year’s stems, which will have been cut off with secateurs.

⚠️ Important: Planting too deeply is the most common reason peonies fail to flower.

4. Backfill Carefully

Gently refill the hole, making sure soil fills all gaps around the rhizome.

• Take care not to push the rhizome deeper as you backfill.

• Lightly firm the soil once filled.

5. Water Thoroughly

Water well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

6. Winter Chill Is Essential

Peony rhizomes must experience winter cold to flower properly. Do not mulch heavily over the crown, as the plant needs to feel the winter frosts.

Taking care when planting your peony will help it establish quickly and thrive for years to come.

1. Choose the Right Position

Select a sunny, well‑drained location. Good drainage is essential, as peonies do not like wet feet.

2. Prepare the Soil

Dig a generous planting hole, around 60 cm deep and wide.

• Improve poor soil by mixing in well‑rotted compost, especially if it is heavy clay or very sandy.

• Add approximately one cup of bonemeal and mix it through the soil.

3. Position the Rootstock

Place the rootstock into the hole at the same depth it was previously growing.

• Avoid planting too deeply, as this can affect growth and flowering.

4. Backfill Carefully

Refill the hole with soil, ensuring it settles evenly around the roots.

• Take care to fill any air gaps without forcing the plant deeper into the soil.

• Lightly firm the soil once filled.

5. Water Thoroughly

Water well after planting to help settle the soil and establish good root contact.

Peonies are greedy feeders so cow and/or chicken manure as they “go to sleep” (Autumn), and to “wake them up” (Spring) will help them establish quickly and supply them with the nutrients they need.  Depending on your soil’s ph., a cup of agricultural lime per plant in Autumn will also keep them happy.  

We are offering a range of our best performing peonies in our shop, click below to see!