June 11, 2025, 3:05 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Peonies are among the favorites of early summer flowers. With their magnificent blooms and wide range of colors, they enhance any garden. However, sometimes the buds remain closed and do not bloom. myHOMEBOOK explains what can help in such cases.
Peonies are not only a visual delight in a vase but also enhance any garden. However, sometimes they fail to bloom–even though the plant appears healthy and stands in vibrant green. The buds either do not open or do not form at all. Here, you can find out why peonies might not bloom.
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Overview
Why Peonies Don’t Bloom
There can be various reasons why peonies in the garden bed or pot do not produce flowers. First, you need to know what type of peony it is. There are herbaceous peonies and tree peonies, also known as moutan peonies. Both have different preferences.
Tree Peony Doesn’t Bloom
Tree peonies are less common than herbaceous peonies. They are classified as shrubs. For this reason, the shrub remains visible in winter and does not retreat into the ground. The plant is sensitive to excessive moisture and waterlogging. Tree peonies can reach a height of up to two meters. Over time, the plant can become woody, creating elegant structures in the garden. Therefore, they are less suitable for pots.
Planting Depth
The failure of the tree peony to bloom can be due to the planting depth. It should be planted about 10 to 15 centimeters deep.
Wrong Location
An unsuitable spot in the garden can also prevent the peony from blooming. The tree peony grows best in a bright, sunny location, but it also tolerates partial shade well. The soil should be well-drained.
Herbaceous Peony Doesn’t Bloom
Herbaceous peonies are more common than tree peonies, and there are now many different varieties. The plant completely retreats in winter and is no longer visible in the garden bed or pot. It reappears in spring. On average, they grow up to one meter high.
Planting Depth
For herbaceous peonies, incorrect planting depth can also prevent blooming. Unlike the tree peony, which should be planted deeply, planting the herbaceous peony too deeply can prevent it from blooming. The bud bases, also called eyes, should be only about three to five centimeters below the soil.
Wrong Location
Like the tree peony, the herbaceous peony needs sun or partial shade. If it is too dark, it often does not produce flowers. The soil should always be kept evenly moist and nutrient-rich.
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Transplanting
Both types of peonies do not like being transplanted. If they must be moved, they are slow to adapt. They take a long time to get used to a new location.