Peonies are not picky eaters, but they hate wet feet. Soggy, clay-heavy soil is a death sentence—it leads to rot and fungal diseases. They demand well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Growing Perfect Peonies: What’s the Secret? Follow This Guide
Practical tip: Dig a hole that’s two feet wide and two feet deep. Mix in aged compost or bone meal, but never fresh manure, which can burn the roots. Plant the eyes (the pinkish buds) no deeper than 2 inches below the soil surface. This is the most common mistake—planted too deep, they will skip flowers for years.
