Paeonia 'Armani'

The 'eyes' are the dormant buds on the root system from which new stems will grow. A 3/5 eye count indicates a healthy, mature root division that has enough energy to establish itself quickly and produce a strong display of blooms within the first few seasons.

Since the 'Armani' reaches a mature width of approximately 3.33 feet, you should space them at least 3 to 4 feet apart. This ensures adequate airflow, which helps prevent fungal issues and allows the plant to develop its natural, upright shrub habit.

Peonies often focus their energy on root development during the first year after transplanting. While you may see some foliage growth, it is common for them to take one or two seasons to establish fully before producing their signature, fully double blooms.

While 'Armani' has a sturdy, upright habit, the fully double blooms can become quite heavy, especially after a rain. If your garden is in a particularly windy area, you may want to use a peony hoop or support ring to keep the stems upright.

While 'Armani' is best suited for garden beds and borders, it can be grown in a large, deep container with excellent drainage. Ensure the pot is at least 15–20 gallons to accommodate the root system and provide consistent moisture, as container-grown plants dry out faster than those in the ground.

Leave the foliage intact throughout the summer and early fall, as the leaves are actively photosynthesizing to store energy for next year's growth. You can prune the foliage back to the ground only after it has been killed by the first hard frost of autumn.