hi everyone,

I live in NYC zone 7b and recently purchased a home with enough space to plant beautiful peonies and other plants. I have begun researching (just a little) and am beginning to feel totally overwhelmed with the types and varieties of peonies out there. I've been reading the forum the past day or so and Kudos to You all for the knowledge and information you have and put forward for newbies such as myself. I've been reading mixed reviews about peonies development if planted now. I would really like to plant some now (impatient for the fall) if possible in my garden. I've read that i should order potted plants. Several questions of course.
Are there ideal peonies to plant in my climate zone?
Which peonies (if any more than others) have good success rate at developing good roots and growing beautifully?
Are there certain types that are sought after more? I honestly can't choose! I love the doubles, the Japanese, the semi doubles and bomb.
Where can I order peonies to be shipped during the spring, now?


I apologize for all of the questions and if some may seem ridiculous. Entirely new to growing peony plants.

Thank you.

Hello and welcome, Mariepet18! I know how excited you must be with a new home and area to garden, congratulations! As for planting peonies now, you won't find many growers that will mail peonies in the spring. There are a few exceptions—Klehm's Song Sparrow will send some potted tree peonies out in spring but look at each variety as a lot say back ordered until fall now on their site and this will probably be their last year in business due to retirement. Gilbert Wild and Peony's Envy both send bare root herbaceous in spring but if I were you I'd check out reviews on Dave's before ordering. I personally have had decent success with those I got in spring from Gilbert Wild but the growth when spring planted will always be behind that of fall planted because of the limited root growth that occurs when they're planted out of season.
What I would recommend is getting a few potted peonies from a local nursery that are ready to bloom. You can leave them in the pot and just put the pot in the ground if you want until fall. If you do that though be sparing with water, the pot will retain more than the surrounding ground. Or you can put the nursery pot inside a larger decorative pot until fall, that would work as well. Order the majority of your plants bare root from one of the big growers online and satisfy your current bloom craving with the potted peonies. There are several threads here on the forum where members share pics of the roots we've received from various sources, I'd take a look back at those from last fall; you'll see the sources we like and what the product looks like as well.

@Mariepet18

I agree with Liz Best. You can research a couple of our old threads to find the best peony nurseries. In the meantime, you can visit a couple of local nurseries and start your peony collection. The local nurseries are usually good in identifying plants that grow well in your area. I am not sure if peonies are blooming right now in your area, but one of the advantages of buying peonies during their blooming season is that you can see the flowers; that is, you can avoid buying mislabeled peonies. I've been planting potted peonies straight; I didn't wait for the fall and the peonies were growing without any issues. However, bare-root peonies are best planted in fall.

Good luck!

Mariepet18! I absolutely agree with Liz and Jasmin! I remember myself how excited I was when discovered the great variation of peonies! Enjoy and good luck!

Welcome Mariepet18!

I am fairly new to the game myself and been learning from all the lovely folks on here. Once you start shopping, you can't stop! If you're looking at potted peonies, I would suggest looking at the botanical gardens or the state parks during their plant sale. I am not sure if the stores are still open due to everything going on, but I seen potted peonies at the NY botanical garden, old Westbury gardens (Long Island), and Brooklyn botanical garden. If you think it's worth the drive, Cricket Hill in CT and Peony envy in NJ both sell potted peonies. I had good luck finding very well established peonies for $50 at big box stores (when a small root division was the same price!) the past few years around this time to June.

Edit: if you wish to support a NY farm, Lyndaker farm (phenomenal owner and generous division) has a farmers market stand in NYC. I am not sure how the COVID impacted her business and stand, but worth looking into.

Welcome Mariepet! Everyone has given you great advice already. Try to look at the bloom times of the peonies so you can extend your bloom season!

If you are on Facebook there are some great Peony Groups where you can learn a lot of great information. Peony Lovers and Enthusiasts is great for beginners.

The American Peony Society has a FB Group and also there's a lot of information available to the public on their website.

Here's Angel Cheeks to welcome you!

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the late response, I've read all of your comments but haven't had a chance to respond as we've been busy with the front lawn and backyard work. Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for all of the useful information!

I did go to my local nursery and bought one potted peony. Of course, i did throw out the label and I can't remember what this one is called ! I am including a pic. They were baby pink and as i cut them they turned more white. They were supposed to be more baby pink so I'm not sure what i did wrong. My friends mother also planted two more peony plants She took from her garden. one pink straight from Italy and one burgundy from the state's. Hopefully I can show you all my new plants next season!

Mieko- Angel cheeks looks absolutely beautiful!! Thank you for the fb group idea.
Minyatur- thank you, I may check out the fArm.

Welcome, Mariepet! Congratulations on your new home and space to plant things that bring you joy. It is very exciting!

It would be best to save your spaces for fall planted peonies. They acclimate better and are well worth the wait. Much of what is typically available at greenhouses is mislabeled. It's easier to plant annuals and saving these coveted spaces for the ones you really want.

Some of my favorite places are Song Sparrow (out of business after this year), Solaris Farms, Adelmans (in Oregon), Fina Gardens, Parkers Perennials, Oh My Peonies & Hiddensprings Farms and Gold City Flower Farm. I have also heard great things about Lyndaker Farms, but haven't had the opportunity to order from there myself.

Enjoy your gardening planning.

Great advice everybody! I just want to give you some suggestions for herbaceous peonies to narrow down the many choices of peonies to buy out there.

For double and bombs, these are my favorites:
Red Charm
Mrs. FDR
Raspberry Sundae
Nick Saylor
White Frost
Felix Supreme

Semi-double and Japanese
Miss America
Do Tell
Gay Paree
Mackinac Grande
Buckeye Belle
Pink Hawaiian Coral

If budget is not a problem,
Pastelegance
Lorelei
Candy Stripe