In late spring or early summer, peonies emerge as dark red shoots that bear little resemblance to the shrubs they will become. The red shoot matures into a 36-inch lush, green bush in just a few weeks. Flowers last only a week or so, but by selecting early, mid-season, and late varieties you can have up to eight weeks of bloom. Peonies grow best in zones 3-8 because a long winter chilling is required. For all-season color, plant peonies with spring flowering bulbs and with iris, daylilies, chrysanthemums, and hardy asters.
Peonies make good background plants for low annual flowers.
When purchasing divisions, look for roots with 3-4 eyes. Those with only 1-2 eyes can take up to five years to produce flowers. Check carefully for soft spots or signs of rot. Where to Plant Peonies will require little maintenance if they are properly located. They can remain in the same place for years, so choose the location carefully.