Planting
Peonies need a well-drained soil. They can cope with a little shade during the day, but being plants of the open ground they prefer full sun. They need to be planted with their roots no deeper than 1in (2cm) below the soil. If they are planted deeper they may refuse to flower.

Fertilising
A little very well rotted manure can be placed around the dormant plant in winter if the ground is very deprived of nutrients, but generally they can be left undisturbed for many years.

Moving
Contrary to what has been written in the past, peonies do not mind being moved - especially if they are not divided.

Disease
Peonies can suffer from botritys especially if planted in large groups. This is a fungus and evidence of it can be found at the base of the stem or on the bud. The stem and the bud will be brown and mouldy. In these circumstances, remove the infected area and spray with a fungicide.

Failure to flower
There are three reasons why peonies fail to flower.
1. They have been planted too deeply. Remedy - lift the plant in autumn and plant with the buds no more than an inch below the surface of the soil.
2. The plant is too dry during the spring growing season. This can be recognised when the buds are tight and dry.
3. Too much shade. This can also lead to dry roots.

Glossary of terms used
Single: Flowers with one row of petals.
Semi-double: Flowers with at least two rows of petals.
Double: These are generally full of petals, but some are more densely packed than others.
Japanese: These have large guard petals that surround an inner cluster of slim petals.
Guard petals: These are the large outer petals.