PEONY Duchesse de Nemours (Bareroots Plant) 3-4 Eyes, Perennial Shrub.

This Double type PEONY, Duchesse de Nemours (Bareroots Plant) 3-4 Eyes, is a large and early blooming perennial shrub. Its cupped flowers showcase white guards and a moderately full center of light canary-yellow, gradually fading to pale green at the base of the petals. This variety is notably fragrant and has medium tall stems that are erect and strong, allowing for a very floriferous display. In addition, the plant boasts excellent foliage.

Peonies are tough, undemanding perennials that can bloom happily for a century or more with little care. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot to plant with good air circulation and plenty of room for them to grow. Because they like ample water, they do best in somewhat heavier clay-type soils and away from the roots of trees and shrubs.

When planting, water deeply and maintain even soil moisture until the ground freezes to help the plant develop as many feeder roots as possible its first fall. To protect the delicate roots the first winter, apply mulch. After the ground freezes, mound the newly planted area with 2-4 inches of soil or 5-8 inches of a fluffy, non-matting mulch such as straw, cornstalks, peat moss, or evergreen boughs – but not leaves.

Tip: Potted dormant perennials can be kept in a well-lit cool/cold area (i.e. garage, shed, even in a protected area outdoors) until ready for spring planting. Do not allow them to completely dry out.