How to grow peonies in Australia
Peonies are a superstar of the flower world. Big, blousy and beautiful, they're bound to draw compliments from the neighbours. Whether you're thinking of pink peonies for a romantic cottage vibe or classic white peonies to add a little elegance, these long-lived perennials deliver the goods year after year.
And the best part? Growing peonies in Australia is easier than you think. With a bit of prep (and a sunny spot), you’ll be enjoying armfuls of blooms in no time.
What are peonies?
Peonies (pronounced pee-oh-nees) are perennial plants from the family Paeoniaceae, and they’ve been stealing the show in gardens for centuries. Known for their striking, colourful blooms, they bloom from late spring to early summer, filling your garden with a delightful fragrance. There are two main types of peonies – herbaceous and tree – with a third group known as Itoh peonies from Japan, a cross between them that show off the best of both.
Peonies aren’t just known for their looks. They’re hardy plants, despite their delicate appearance. With the right care and conditions, they’ll thrive in the same spot for decades, coming back bigger and better each year.
Know before you grow: Planting peonies in Australia
When to plant peonies in Australia
Timing matters when it comes to planting peonies. In cooler climates – think Tassie, coastal Victoria and the south coast of New South Wales – it’s best to plant in late summer to early autumn (March to April). Where the weather is milder, early spring (September) is best, especially if you’re planting tubers or young plants.
Peonies need a cold period to bloom, so cooler regions have the edge. If you’re in a warmer zone, look for heat-tolerant varieties like Coral Charm.
What types of peonies to plant based on your climate
Some varieties are happier in certain parts of Australia than others. The key to success? Picking the right variety for your climate.
Cool climates (Vic, Tas, ACT and cooler parts of NSW and SA)
These regions are peony paradise. With cold winters, they offer the chill factor peonies need to bloom their best.
- Sarah Bernhardt: The queen of pink peonies! A herbaceous peony with huge, ruffled blooms with a sweet fragrance. Perfect for garden beds or pots.
- Festiva Maxima: Classic white herbaceous peonies with striking crimson flecks. Loves cooler climates and adds a formal touch to garden beds.
- Duchesse de Nemours: Pure white flowers with a lemony scent. This herbaceous peony is a top pick for traditional cottage gardens.
- Kamata Nishiki: Deep purple-pink blooms with a golden centre. This Japanese tree variety thrives in cool, temperate climates like southern Victoria and the NSW Southern Highlands.
- Rockii Hybrid (Paeonia rockii): Known for its dramatic dark-centred flowers and tough nature, this tree peony handles colder winters and grows well in places like the Dandenong Ranges.
Warmer climates (Southeast QLD and warmer parts of NSW and WA)
Peonies can still thrive in warmer climate zones, but it’s all about picking heat-tolerant varieties and giving them a little extra TLC.
- Coral Charm: A stunner with bright coral blooms that fade to peach. One of the earliest herbaceous peonies to bloom and more adaptable to mild winters.
- Bartzella (Itoh hybrid): This tough hybrid is more forgiving in warmer climates and blooms later in the season with huge, bright yellow flowers.
- Cora Louise (Itoh hybrid): Gorgeous lavender-white blooms with purple centres. Compact and heat-tolerant, making it a standout in warmer southern zones and coastal NSW gardens.
Tropical and subtropical regions (Northern QLD and NT)
Peonies are a bit tricky in these areas because they need a cold winter to trigger blooming. Success is limited unless you can chill the roots artificially (yes, people do that!). Your best bet? Try Itoh hybrids like Bartzella and Cora Louise, and grow them in pots so you can control their environment.
Where to plant your peonies
Peonies are a little fussy about their real estate – but once you find them the perfect spot, they’ll reward you with years of spectacular blooms. Peonies thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you’re in a hotter part of Australia, they’ll appreciate a little afternoon shade.
Planting peonies in a garden bed
Pick a north-facing spot with plenty of light and protection from strong winds. Avoid areas with heavy clay or poor draining soil. Peonies hate wet feet! Consider beefing up your soil before planting – mix in some Scotts Osmocote® Premium Garden Soil to improve drainage and feed the roots at the same time.
Planting peonies in pots
Choose a large, deep pot (at least 40cm wide and deep) with excellent drainage holes. Fill it with a quality potting mix that is specially formulated for flowering plants. Place your pot in a sunny, sheltered spot, and in winter, move it somewhere cooler to give the plant its much-needed chill. Make sure the pH is around 6.5 to 7.
Your peony planting checklist
Here’s what you’ll need to get your peony patch underway.
● Bare-root peonies or tubers
● Quality garden soil (for raised garden beds, go for Scotts Osmocote® Premium Potting Mix)
● A good fertiliser (try Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser)
● Mulch (pea straw or bark chips work well)
● Your trusty garden spade, watering can and some gloves
How to plant peonies: Step-by-step guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s how to plant your peonies to set yourself up for season after season of swoon-worthy blooms.
Step 1: Pick the perfect spot
Peonies love a sunny position with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In warmer climates, choose a spot that gets a little afternoon shade.
Step 2: Prepare your soil
Peonies need well-drained, fertile soil that’s only mildly acidic (pH 6.5 to 7). Mix a good amount of Scotts Osmocote® Premium Garden Soil into your garden bed to boost drainage and improve nutrients. For planting in pots, go for Scotts Osmocote® Premium Potting Mix. Check the pH and work in some garden lime if the pH is a bit too low.
Step 3: Dig your holes
For a garden bed, dig a wide, shallow hole, about 30cm wide and 20cm deep. The same goes if you’re using a large raised garden bed! For pots, make sure your pot is at least 40cm wide and deep, with good drainage holes at the bottom.
Step 4: Position your peonies
Place the bare-root peony or tuber in the hole with the buds (eyes) facing up. Cover with just 3–4cm of soil – no deeper! Peonies planted too deep may not flower.
Step 5: Give it a drink
Give your newly planted peony a gentle soak to help settle the soil around the roots. Remember, peonies prefer to dry out between waterings, especially while they’re settling in – so don’t over-do it.
Step 6: Mulch to finish
Spread a 5-7cm deep layer of pea straw or bark chips around the base to keep moisture, weeds out and roots cool.
Then, be patient. Peonies play the long game. They might take a season or two to settle before bursting into full bloom. But once they’re happy, they’ll reward you with flowers for decades.
How to care for peonies long-term
Once planted, peonies are pretty low maintenance. Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Water deeply in dry spells but let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Feed in early spring with Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser for Potted Plants or Garden Beds.
- Mulch annually to lock in moisture and block weeds.
- Cut back foliage in autumn when it yellows and dies back.
A quick note on transplanting peonies
Peonies are creatures of habit. Once they’ve settled in, they like to stay put! That said, if you need to move them, the best time to relocate your peonies is in autumn when the plant is starting to go dormant. This gives the roots time to settle in over winter and sets you up for new shoots (and hopefully blooms) by spring. Be careful digging around the roots, check for damage or disease, and ensure their new home is well-prepared with quality soil at the right pH.
