Question
can i plant a peony in a pot

Answer
Hello Veronica

Yes it is possible to grow Peonies in pots, but!  Success depends on providing the plant with very specific conditions.

First you will need to provide the biggest container you can a) afford or b) accommodate.

Herbaceous Peonies have a very large root system and are very heavy feeders.

A well drained growing medium is a must and the pot should be raised above the ground to aid drainage, as water-logging will cause root-rot.

The plant will need to be watered and feed with a specialist Peony feed on a regular basis throughout the growing period and faded blooms removed to encourage a constant flush of flowers.

Heavy frost can kill the roots of pot grown Peonies very quickly, so if the pot can't be moved during the winter it should be well wrapped in bubble wrap and horticultural fleece.  Having said that, and just to be contrary, Peonies need a period of cold weather in order to break their dormancy and encourage good growth in spring.  It really is a matter of getting the balance right and this will only come with experience and/or experimentation to see what works in your garden.

Tree Peonies are often recommended for growing in pots, but only because they have smaller root systems than the herbaceous varieties - their needs as just the same!

I hope this helps and that you can grow one or more of this lovely plant.  Good luck.

Gill