1. Planting: Choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Space your peony 2-3 feet apart to allow for air circulation. Dig a hole that's about twice the width of the root ball and just deep enough that the eyes (the small growth nodes) are no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Backfill the hole gently and water thoroughly.

2. Watering: Water your peony regularly after planting to establish strong roots. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant. Water them weekly in dry conditions, especially during the blooming period, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.

3. Pruning: After blooming, deadhead spent flowers to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent disease. In late fall, cut back the foliage to about 2 inches above the ground to prepare for the winter. This helps rejuvenate the plant for the next blooming season.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A slow-release, organic fertilizer can promote healthy development without the risk of over-fertilization. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage late growth that may not survive winter.