1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a location with full sun to part sun—more sun means better blooming. Peonies require well-draining soil and will not tolerate wet sites, so avoid low areas or compacted soil and plant away from overhead sprinklers. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than the height of the roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the buds are no more than 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

2. Watering: Water your peony thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

3. Pruning: In late fall, after the foliage has died back, cut stems down to about 4 inches above the ground to encourage healthy growth the following season. In early spring, remove any dead or damaged leaves to make way for new growth and improve air circulation.

4. Fertilizing: A root-supportive fertilizer such as Espoma Bio-tone® may be used at planting. In future years, apply a bulb fertilizer after flowering or work compost into the soil to improve fertility and overall soil quality. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote lush foliage at the expense of blooms.