A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Peonies on clearance, couldn't resist....

I was at Walmart yesterday and found a pack of Sarah Bernhart peonies on sale for $4. I've been drooling over them for the past couple of springs in the Springhill catalog, just hadn't taken the plunge. So when I found them for $4 I jumped in.

The back of the package says to plant March-April so I'm right at the end of the planting season. Will they be okay if planted now? Any tips on the best way to plant? What kind of light, morning or afternoon?

I don't know any specifics, but I am a Peonie lover as well! I bought three for the first time and planted them a week ago. There were already "sprouts" on the root, so I hope to see them come up soon! I planted them on the southeast...they will get lots of afternoon sun. I'm looking forward to hearing tips from others too. Best wishes!

Peonies prefer full sun, but the flowers will stay longer in afternoon shade. You'll want to plant it now. Dig a large hole and mound the soil in the middle like a pyramid. Take the bare root peony and carefully spread the roots over the mound and fill with soil. Make sure you don't plant the eyes (the spots where you'll see new growth coming out) no more than 1 or 2 inches below the soil or you may never get blooms. Water well and wait for it to grow. You may or may not get blooms this year.

Thanks alankhart!