Planting My First Bare Root Peony: A Little Piece of My Mom’s Garden
Some flowers become favorites because they’re easy to grow. Others become favorites because of the people and memories we associate with them.
For me peonies will always make me think of my mom.
She has the most gorogeus section of HUGE pink peonies growing along the side of her house. Every year , I admire them, and every year, she shares some with me. Bringing those blooms home feels like bringing a little piece of her garden into mine. One year she gave me so many I was able to make this gorgoeus peony wreath!
And of all of her peonies, ther’s one I’ve always admired, her Sarah Bernhardt variety!
This fall, thanks to Paula at Hosue of Peonies, I’m taking the first step toward growing one of my own.
The only catch? I’ts a bare root peony.
And this lazy garden girl has never planted one before!
Paula at House of Peonies gifted me the peony root featured in this post.
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Where My Love Of Peonies Began
My mom’s garden has given me plenty of flower inspiration over the years, but her pink peonies are something special.
They’re the kind of flowers that make you stop and look. Big, beautiful blooms that I look forward to seeing each year.
Her Sarah Bernhardt has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve admired it in her garden and loved having those flowers in my own home when she shares them.
So when I started thinking about adding a pink peony to our garden, I already knew which one I wanted.
There’s something sweet about growing the same flower your mom grows, isn’t there? Even though this root didn’t come from her plant, choosing her variety makes it feel connected to her.
The White Peonies That Helped Me Fall in Love With Our Home
My mom’s pink peonies aren’t the only ones with a story.
When we first looked at our current house five years ago, it was June, and the white peonies out back were in full bloom.
Two hedges of all-white peonies.
You can probably imagine my reaction! My husband was looking at the lawn and firepit but I only had eyes for the peonies!
The flowers were gorgeous, they smelled amazing, and I was instantly in love. I had tried growing peonies at our previous home, but they never really took off. Seeing these established plants felt like such a gift.
Now their blooms are something I look forward to every year.
But between the peonies that came with our house and the ones I’ve purchased as potted plants from the nursery, I’ve never started with a bare root.
Until now.
A Thoughtful Gift From House of Peonies
When I told Paula at House of Peonies about my mom’s Sarah Bernhardt and how much I’ve always loved it, she sent me one to plant in my own garden.
Such a thoughtful gift!
Of course, I’m excited about the possibility of those pink flowers. But I’m also excited about what this little root represents: a new garden memory, connected to one I already treasure.
Paula also sent planting instructions, which I’m very thankful for. Because while I’m comfortable growing flowers, trying something new still comes with a little nervousness.
Which way does it go? How deep should I plant it? Am I going to do this right?
If you’ve ever stood in your garden holding a new plant and second-guessed yourself, you are in good company!
[Photo: The Sarah Bernhardt bare root peony and Paula’s planting guide.]
When Is the Best Time to Plant Bare Root Peonies?
With fall here and so many of my flowers winding down, it feels especially sweet to plant something I’ll look forward to in another season.
Late summer through early fall is generally the best time to plant bare root peonies. The exact timing depends on your climate, but the goal is to give the roots time to settle in before the ground freezes.
Ideally, aim for about four to six weeks before the ground freezes, especially in colder northern climates like ours. That gives newly planted roots a chance to establish before winter.
Since it’s already October here in northern Colorado, I’m making planting my new Sarah Bernhardt a priority. Paula’s instructions also recommend planting roots as soon as they arrive, so I won’t be saving this little project for spring!
While I’m saying goodbye to some of this year’s flowers, I get to tuck a little hope into the ground for the seasons ahead.
How I’m Planting My First Bare Root Peony
I want to share this process because it’s easy to assume that someone who loves gardening has already tried everything.
I certainly haven’t!
This is my first time planting a bare root peony, and I’m learning as I go. Thankfully, having Paula’s directions in hand makes this new garden adventure feel a little less intimidating.
Here’s the plan I’ll be following, based on her planting guide.
1. Choosing a Sunny Spot
Paula recommends a spot with at least six hours of sunlight each day and good air circulation.
I’m already imagining those pink blooms in our garden, but first comes finding a place where this little root has room to grow!
[Photo: The spot I chose for my new peony.]
2. Preparing the Soil
Her guide calls for well-draining, fertile soil, with organic matter such as compost added if needed.
I added Wilt Pruf soil and transplant enhancer.
I’ll prepare the planting area before positioning the root. If you’re planting several peonies, Paula recommends spacing them about three feet apart.
[Photo: Preparing the planting hole.]
3. Getting the Planting Depth Right
This is the part I’ll be paying extra attention to!
Paula’s instructions say to dig a hole about 12 inches deep, then position the root so its “eyes”—the pink or white growth tips point upward and sit just one to two inches below the finished soil surface.
That helped me understand an important detail: the hole can be deep, but those little growth tips need to stay close to the surface. I’ll adjust the soil underneath the root to get them at the right level before covering it.
[Photo: A close-up of the eyes and the root positioned before covering.]
4. Watering After Planting
Once it’s planted, Paula recommends watering thoroughly and keeping the soil moist rather than soaked, with regular watering during dry periods.
5. Giving It Time to Grow
Paula’s guide also reminds me that peonies need time to establish and bloom. Her estimate is one to two years, so I’m going into this with patience rather than expecting a huge bouquet next spring.
For ongoing care, she recommends light fertilizing each spring with a balanced fertilizer and cutting down and discarding the foliage in fall.
My mom’s enormous pink peonies didn’t become those beautiful plants overnight, either. Now I get to enjoy watching my own Sarah Bernhardt get started.
Lazy Girl Tip: Keep the planting instructions handy while you work—especially when checking the depth of those little eyes. There’s no prize for memorizing everything!
More of My Favorite Peony Tips
Even though planting a bare root peony is new to me, loving peonies certainly isn’t! Our white hedges have given me plenty of opportunities to learn over the years.
If you’d like more ideas for caring for your plants, supporting those big blooms, and enjoying peonies inside your home, visit my post, Tips and Tricks for the Best Peonies.
And now I get to add this new Sarah Bernhardt adventure to the story!
Looking Forward to What Comes Next
The funny thing about planting a root is that the most exciting part is still ahead.
Right now, I can picture my mom’s pink peonies. I can picture a bouquet on my table. And I can imagine how special it will feel to see this one growing in our own yard.
But first, I get to plant it and give it time.
I won’t have a huge plant like my mom’s overnight, and that’s okay. Part of the joy is having something to look forward to and a new little garden story to follow.
I’ll keep you posted on how my Sarah Bernhardt does. You know I’ll be taking pictures when there’s something to share!
A Little Gift for Your Garden, Too
Paula kindly gave me a discount code to share with you!
Visit House of Peonies and use KELLY10 at checkout for 10% off.
If you’ve been dreaming about adding a peony to your garden, maybe we can try something new together.
Have you ever planted a bare root peony? I’d love to hear your experience! And tell me: is there a flower you grow because it reminds you of your mom or someone you love?
Happy planting, friends!
More Posts About Peonies
- How to Fertilize Peonies
- How to Make a Dried Peony Wreath
- An Elegant Outdoor Tropical Tablescape With Peonies
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