Van Engelen Peony

It means the plants were cultivated specifically for root health and divided into sections with multiple 'eyes'—the growth points where new stems emerge. This process ensures you receive a robust rootstock that is primed for vigorous growth and faster establishment in your garden compared to smaller, younger divisions.

Peonies are relatively low-maintenance once established. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, ensuring the eyes are planted no more than two inches deep. They appreciate consistent moisture during their first year, but once mature, they are quite hardy and drought-tolerant.

While these robust divisions are designed for success, peonies often take a season or two to fully establish their root systems before producing a heavy flush of blooms. You may see a few flowers the first spring, but you can expect a much more prolific display by the second or third year.

Absolutely. Their fragrant, large blooms and sturdy stems make them an excellent choice for fresh-cut arrangements. For the longest vase life, cut the stems when the buds are soft and marshmallow-like, just as they are beginning to show color.

Because these peonies reach a mature height of 36 inches and produce large, heavy blooms, they can sometimes lean after heavy rain or wind. Using a peony hoop or support grid early in the spring is recommended to keep the stems upright and the flowers clean.

This variety is hardy in zones 4 through 8. If you live in a colder climate, ensure the roots are well-mulched for their first winter; if you are in a warmer zone, ensure they receive adequate winter chill hours, which are essential for the plant to break dormancy and bloom.