Marde Ross & Company Hawaiian Coral Peony

The 'eyes' are the pinkish buds on the root system from which new stems will grow. A 3-5 eye root is considered a premium size, meaning the plant has enough stored energy to establish itself quickly and potentially produce blooms sooner than a smaller division.

The Pink Hawaiian Coral is famous for its color shift. The blooms typically open in a vibrant, saturated coral-pink and gradually fade to a softer, lighter shade as they mature, creating a lovely multi-tonal effect on the same plant.

Peonies need well-drained soil to prevent root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and ensure the roots aren't sitting in standing water.

While peonies prefer being planted directly in the ground, you can grow them in containers if you use a very large pot—at least 15 to 20 gallons—with excellent drainage. Keep in mind that container-grown peonies may require more frequent watering and winter protection depending on your climate.

Planting depth is critical for peonies. Position the root so the eyes are no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting them too deeply is the most common reason peonies fail to bloom.