Peony

Plant bare-root peonies in autumn, positioning the pink buds (eyes) no more than 2.5 cm below the soil surface — planting too deeply is the most common reason peonies fail to flower. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid areas that receive early morning sun, as rapid thawing of frosted buds damages flowers. Space plants 90 cm apart to allow good air circulation. Water well during the first two seasons but avoid overhead watering which encourages botrytis. Feed with a high-potash fertiliser like rose food in March and again after flowering. Peonies resent being moved, so choose their position carefully.

Deadhead faded flowers unless you want seed pods to develop. Cut all stems back to ground level in late autumn once the foliage has died down, and dispose of the cut material rather than composting it — this reduces the risk of peony wilt carrying over to the next season.