Advice on planting a peony in a tub

mmsj496 · May 2020

I am wanting to plant a peony corm in a tub for my patio, inspired by the lady on GW a few weeks ago.

I already have a terracotta tub that is the right size (have done my research), some crocks, some gravel and some pot feet - all to ensure good drainage, but I am a bit confused about which compost to use.

I already have in some general purpose and some ericaceous, but have read that I should ideally use John Innes No. 3. However, I do not have any in right now.

I would usually just go out and buy some, but am a bit reluctant to do so right now.

Can I use what I already have please, to save me having to go out?

Fairygirl · May 2020

It'll be fine in anything you have for now.
Anything staying in a pot long term needs a soil based medium, hence the JI3, but if you can't get it, just use what you have. You can amend it later.
If you have any suitable garden soil, you can mix that in.

mmsj496 · May 2020

Thanks Fairygirl, but the pot I am wanting to plant in is the one I want it to be in long term, so might have to get some JI3

Fairygirl · May 2020

One thing I would suggest is - if the pot is really big, and it's just a corm/rhizome you're planting, it might be worth keeping it in smaller pot and then sitting that in the bigger one. You could fill the gap with gravel or similar, and cover the edge of the pot too to disguise it. That will prevent the finer roots being absolutely soaked when you water, especially as they like a well draining soil.

It's a bit like Acers - they need potting on quite slowly for the same reason. I've done that with my new Acer, as it wouldn't have been suitable to put it directly into the pot it's in

mmsj496 · May 2020

Perfect! Thank you x

Advice on planting a peony in a tub

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