Planting Peonies A. Soil Preparation Peonies like a sunny location, either in full sun or shaded only a small part of the day. They must have good drainage. They will not tolerate wet feet. Water should never stand over them. They will grow in any good garden soil.
Sandy soils make more foliage and less blooms.
A clay soil makes slower growth but better flowers. When planting the roots, dig each hole large enough to easily accommodate the root without crowding it. The hole should be dug to a depth of 1 to 2 feet according to the amendments the soil may need. Rotted manure is advised against, as it may bring in disease. The eyes of the root should be as near two inches below the normal surface as possible.