Peony in a pot

kate.james58 · 3 February

I ama awaiting delivery from farmer Gracey of Peony Shirley Temple bareroot. I want to start it off in a pot when it arrives and would be grateful for information on what size pot and what compost to use, please?

AnniD · 3 February

Do you mean that you just want to start it off in a pot prior to planting it in the ground later in the Spring Kate, or are you planning to grow it in a pot for a few years at least ?

kate.james58 · 3 February

Thanks @AnniD, to be honest I'm not sure where it's going to go - it was a bit of an on a whim purchase. Can certainly find it room in the ground eventually if that's best.

AnniD · 3 February

I think the general consensus is that peonies are better off in the ground. I know what you mean about buying them on a whim, l did exactly the same and they just didn't seem happy in a pot. Once l put them in the ground they were much happier.

Farmer Gracy's website gives good advice. Just make sure you don't plant too deeply.
https://www.farmergracy.co.uk/blogs/planting-care/paeonia-planting-instructions?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6PWLzMmPhAMVzo9QBh0QTgEdEAAYASAAEgL6wvD_BwE

At the risk of blowing my own trumpet, have a look at this thread that l posted back in the day about another peony l acquired. . The advice l was given on here was a great help

https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1065320/patience-rewarded/p1

kate.james58 · 3 February

Thanks @AnniD, that's really helpful - I will have a read through.

kate.james58 · 3 February

@AnniD, your peony is beautiful! Hope mine will be like that sometine.

Herbloom · 4 February

I have to laugh - last year, I bought a Shirley Temple from Farmer Gracy on a whim, too, and had to put it in a pot for the time being.

I'm by no means an expert, but I put mine in a 32 cm pot (the root was tiny), and it grew one long stem with one flower on it last year. So... success??
It's showing red buds now, so I at least haven't killed it yet, but I'll probably have to figue something else out in a year or two.

punkdoc · 4 February

The size of the pot depends on the size of the plant, you don’t want to pot a small plant in to large a pot. Plants should be gradually potted on as they grow.
Generally Peonies do not do well in pots.

kate.james58 · 4 February

Thanks @Herbloom, this was a whim because o.f price. The plant was £6.50 and p&p was free, so if it's tiny I don't mind.
Thanks @punkdoc.

Fairygirl · 4 February

I agree - just pot it in something suited to the size of the rootball @kate.james58 . They aren't great long term as pot specimens, but are fine for a couple of years or so, if you don't have a suitable site in the ground. You'd have to repot accordingly as it grows too, but ultimately the ground is better, to ensure good health and flowering. Remember to plant at the same sort of level as the container - they're shy to flower if too deep. Good drainage, rich soil and plenty of sun for them

I'd say yours was in far too big a pot @Herbloom. It might be worth taking a look at it soon and repotting into something more suitable, or getting it planted out, depending on your conditions and climate.

kate.james58 · 4 February

Thank you @Fairygirl. I will put it in a pot for now and I'm sure I will be able to find it a space in the garden at some point.
Another question? When is the best time to move it when I do find a spot in the ground?

Peony in a pot

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