Peony Catharina Fontijn (Herbaceous)

Planting & Care Instructions

Peonies are hardy, long-lived perennials valued for their large flowers and excellent performance in borders, flower beds and cutting gardens. Bare-root peonies need time to establish, but once settled they can return and flower for many years.

• Planting time: Plant bare-root peonies in March–May or September–November, when the soil is workable and not frozen. Established plants generally flower from May to June, depending on the variety and local climate.
• Position & soil: Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Peonies perform best in rich, loose and well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water tends to collect.
• Planting depth & spacing: Spread the roots naturally in the planting hole and position them approximately 5–7 cm deep. Keep the crown and growth buds close to the soil surface and avoid planting too deeply. Leave approximately 60–90 cm between plants.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging.
• Growing in containers: Peonies can be grown in large, deep containers with drainage holes and a rich, well-drained potting mix. Allow enough space for the root system to develop.
• During the first season: Bare-root peonies may focus mainly on developing roots during their first year. Flowering can be limited or may begin in a later season as the plant becomes established.
• After flowering: Remove faded flowers if desired, but keep the healthy foliage throughout summer. Cut the stems back only after the foliage has naturally declined at the end of the growing season.
• Returning each year: Peonies are long-lived, winter-hardy perennials and can return and flower for many years when planted correctly and left relatively undisturbed.

Secure delivery across Europe

We deliver flower bulbs, seeds, perennials, roses and other plants to more than 30 countries across Europe. The standard delivery charge is added on orders depending on the country where you live.
To guarantee the best result and quality of our plants and bulbs, we dispatch all our orders at the right planting period. We monitor harvests in The Netherlands and weather conditions across Europe and start shipping our orders according to the following schedule:

• Summer Flowering Bulbs (dahlias, gladioli, begonias, etc.) - from 23 March until 1 July.
• Spring Flowering Bulbs (tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, etc.) - from 20 September until 1 December.
• Seeds and Garden Tools – all year round
• Roses, Perennials (except peonies), Bushes and other plants in pots - from 1 March until 1 June.