They are a wonderful source of cut flowers and for generations were favored for Memorial Day cemetery bouquets. Peonies are large plants, best planted at the back of the flower border. In spring, new shoots are reddish, quickly growing into attractive ferny foliage. May. To plant peonies, choose a site that receives a half day to full day of sunshine. In hot climates, they'll do best with some afternoon shade.
Early fall is probably the best time to plant, but early spring plantings also fare well.
Because your peonies will be in their chosen location for decades, you ll want to prepare the site well. Dig a much larger hole than you think you need, and amend the soil well with well-rotted compost. Peonies are picky this way they do not want to be planted too deeply. If your plants cease flowering after a few years, check to see that they have not sunken too low in their bed or had too much soil accumulate over top of them. Peonies are seen everywhere in the Northeast and Midwest, but can be grown further south.