If you’ve ever considered growing peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) from seed, you probably know that these slow-growing plants can test your patience. They can live for 100 years so they are worth the work, however, don’t be fooled by their slow start. Peonies can eventually get quite big and need plenty of room to spread out for the best results. They can grow up to about 2.5 feet wide or bigger, and the same in height. Giving these plants 3 to 4 feet of space will help ensure good airflow around your plants and save you work in the long run.

This is especially important as peonies don’t like to be moved. So if they overgrow their location, you will likely need to move the surrounding plants and not your peonies. They can also stop flowering if they are overcrowded, so mapping out just the right amount of space is important to avoid upsetting persnickety peonies.

There are many mistakes people make when growing peonies that could result in fewer blooms, and overcrowding them is a top suspect. The best way to avoid any of these problems down the road is to pick the right spot in the first place. In most areas, peonies prefer full sun, and if they find themselves shaded out by neighboring plants you will get fewer blooms and weaker stems. Nearby trees and shrubs can be especially problematic for peonies. Not only can they shade out your plants, but they compete with them for nutrients and often create dry or compacted soil conditions.

Additionally, botyrtis blight — a fungal disease that impacts the buds and flowers of plants — can often affect peonies. To increase your chances of avoiding this problem, give the plant room to breathe. Plenty of space for air circulation can keep this plant in good health. A nutrient-rich soil in the full sun, with at least 3 feet of room to grow, will be best for your peony plants.

If you look for peony planting tips from flower farmers, you might find that they plant their peonies closer together. If the goal is to maximize cut flower production, then squeezing plants closer together is possible. You might see some flower farmers plant their peonies in rows that are 18 inches apart, with only 2 feet of space between plants. For the average home garden, the goal is to give your plants the best chance to thrive and minimize the amount of work you have to do, so we advise giving your peonies more space.

Remember, when we said that peonies don’t like to be moved? The truth is that when you move or divide a peony, it can take a season or more for it to get used to its new location and start blooming again. So, unless you’re ready to live without the luscious blooms of peonies for at least a season, it’s critical to keep them happy where they are planted.

Additionally, peony blooms have a tendency to flop over. The thin, elegant stems don’t always have the strength to support heavy, full blooms. So, support is often a must for these flowers. Leaving space to add a support ring is crucial to enjoying peony flowers for as long as possible. As your plant grows wider, you may need to add even more support. For more tips on how to get the best results, learn how to grow peonies successfully, and enjoy your beautiful backyard blooms.