When peonies are sold as bare roots, they can look unfamiliar to gardeners seeing them for the first time. They do not resemble a plant in a pot, and that can sometimes cause uncertainty. In reality, a good quality peony root is surprisingly easy to recognise once you know what to look for.
A healthy bare root peony consists of a central crown with thick, fleshy roots attached. These roots act as storage organs, holding the energy the plant needs to grow and flower once planted. They should feel firm and solid, not soft, shrivelled, or hollow.
The most important feature to look for is the eyes. These are the small pink, cream, or pale buds visible at the top of the crown. Each eye is a future growing point. In spring, these eyes develop into stems, leaves, and eventually flowers.
A strong planting size peony root will have several eyes. We supply peony roots with a minimum of three to five eyes because this gives the plant a clear advantage. More eyes mean more growth potential, faster establishment, and a fuller plant over time. Smaller roots with only one or two eyes may survive, but they often take longer to settle and can delay flowering.
It is also normal for peony roots to look earthy, knobbly, and a little irregular. This is not a flaw. Peonies are long lived perennials and their roots reflect years of natural growth. What matters most is firmness, visible eyes, and a well balanced crown.
When planted at the correct depth in well drained soil, a quality bare root peony will quietly establish itself and reward patience. Peonies are not instant plants, but once they are settled, they can flower reliably for decades. A good root is the foundation for that long life in the garden.
It is also normal for peony roots to look earthy, knobbly, and a little irregular. This is not a flaw. Peonies are long lived perennials and their roots reflect years of natural growth. What matters most is firmness, visible eyes, and a well balanced crown.
When planted at the correct depth in well drained soil, a quality bare root peony will quietly establish itself and reward patience. Peonies are not instant plants, but once they are settled, they can flower reliably for decades. A good root is the foundation for that long life in the garden.
