Blooming Bulb Command Performance Peony

The 'eyes' are the pinkish buds on the root that will grow into stems. A 2-3 eye division is a standard, healthy size that ensures the plant has enough stored energy to establish itself well and produce blooms within a season or two.

While it is listed for full sun to partial shade, these peonies perform best with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help protect the deep red blooms from fading too quickly.

Peonies often take a season or two to settle in after being transplanted. You might see a bloom or two in the first year, but the plant will typically produce its most impressive, massive flowers once it has established a robust root system in its second or third year.

Because Command Performance produces such large, heavy double blooms, the stems can sometimes struggle to stay upright after heavy rain or wind. It is a good idea to use a peony hoop or support ring early in the spring before the foliage gets too dense.

Yes, this variety is known for a pleasant, classic floral fragrance. It is a popular choice for cutting gardens specifically because it combines that scent with a long vase life, making it excellent for indoor arrangements.

Planting depth is critical for peonies. Ensure the 'eyes' are no deeper than one to two inches below the soil surface; planting them too deep is the most common reason these plants fail to bloom.