This is probably a stupid question but I'll ask it anyway because I don't want to ASSUME--are fernleaf peonies, both the true fernleafs and the hybrids, supposed to be watered in the fall after planting? I assume anything being planted should be watered then and on occasion but I've read here from other members that have them that fernleafs don't want to be watered once they're dormant, which they will be when I plant them....Don't want to make a rookie mistake and kill my plants before I even see a bloom!

Hi Liz,

I don't water any of my newly planted peony tubers. I let Mother Nature take care of them during the fall and winter. The rainfall, and if we get any snow, as it melts, is enough water for them here.

What is your weather like at this time of year?

We've actually had quite a bit of rain this summer, Denver area is actually considered high desert so it's been atypical. There is no rain forcast for the next week.
All of my new peonies are going in a new raised bed and it's still slightly damp from last week's rain. I mulch pretty heavily to keep moisture around as long as possible here since we're normally so dry.

Be sure not to mulch too heavily over the planted tubers, they don't like to be planted too deeply, or they wont bloom. They should do well in your raised bed, which will allow them to have good drainage.

Mulch them in your zone so they don't heave during the winter. In the early spring pull the mulch back away from crown of the plant. I would also water them in if you don't expect rain.

I usually fill halfway around the roots and flush thoroughly with water in order to settle soil in all the gaps. Finish filling the hole and flush with water again. No more water until Spring. They like it dry.

I'll do that' Oldgardenrose. Sounds like a good way to make sure I don't leave air pockets around the roots. Hopefully they'll start showing up in a couple of weeks!

They probably will not show up until next year. Being dormant allows the root to establish in the soil and send out feeder roots rather than sending up foliage which could weaken the plant.

I have made several digs and divides at different times of the year and have never had a fall stem sprout. Another thing just as info, the singles have always increased in the number of eyes over the doubles. Do not be disappointed if they do not increase as quickly the regular peonies. That is one of the reasons why they are more scarce and expensive.

Sorry, didn't mean new shoots--I ordered them online and they should show up in the mail soon! I actually got several in from Edelweiss Perennials last week and planted them, they were tiny 4 inch pots but they'll be big enough to bloom eventually......