Can you root peony cuttings in water?

Peonies are admired for their full, romantic blooms and long lifespan in the garden. Because of their beauty, many gardeners hope to propagate them and wonder if placing a peony cutting in water could be a simple solution. It sounds easy, but for peonies, it’s not effective. In this blog, you will learn why water propagation does not work for peonies and which methods reliably do create new plants.

Can peonies root in water?

While you can certainly place a peony cutting in water, it will almost never form roots. Peonies simply aren’t structured to root from their stems. Instead, they rely on the growth points found in their root system. This means the cutting usually rots before it has any chance of producing new growth. If you’re hoping to create a strong new plant, water rooting isn’t the right method.

Why water rooting isn’t effective

Peony stems fail to root in water for a few biological reasons. Their growth buds are located in the underground root system, not in the stems, and prolonged contact with water causes the stems to soften and rot rather than produce roots. As a result, even patient gardeners see little to no success with this approach.

• Growth buds (“eyes”) exist on the roots, not the stems.
• Stems sitting in water quickly become soft and prone to rot.
• Peonies are not naturally propagated through stem cuttings.

What does work for propagating peonies?

Even though water rooting doesn’t work, there are reliable ways to create new peony plants. Below, you’ll find the two methods that gardeners use successfully: dividing the root system and, in some cases, taking semi-hardwood cuttings.

Method 1: Dividing the root clump (most reliable)

Dividing the plant’s root system in fall is by far the most dependable propagation method. The process is straightforward as long as you handle the roots carefully and give the new divisions time to establish.

• Best time: Fall, usually September through October.
• Carefully dig up the plant to expose the tuberous roots.
• Cut the root clump into sections that each contain at least three healthy eyes.
• Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant.
• Water lightly after planting and be patient. New divisions typically take 1 to 2 years to bloom.

Method 2: Propagating peonies from cuttings (advanced)

Peonies can sometimes be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings, but this approach is considered advanced due to the low success rate and the need for carefully controlled conditions. It is a technique suited to experienced gardeners who enjoy experimentation.

• Take semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-to-late summer.
• Apply rooting hormone to the cut end to encourage root formation.
• Insert the cuttings into a loose, well-draining propagation mix.
• Maintain high humidity and steady warmth (around 18 to 21°C / 65 to 70°F).
• Monitor the cuttings over time, understanding that rooting may be slow and is not guaranteed.

Can you try rooting just for fun?

If you enjoy experimenting, you can certainly place a peony stem in water to see what happens. Just keep in mind that it is extremely unlikely to produce a viable plant. Because peonies lack the stem-based growth points needed to form roots, the cutting typically begins to rot within a short period of time. For anyone who genuinely wants new, healthy peonies, dividing the root clump remains the most predictable path to success.

Tips for successful propagation

To give your new peony plants the best possible start, it helps to pay attention to planting depth, location and aftercare, especially in the first few seasons after division.

• Avoid planting divisions too deep. This is a common cause of non-flowering.
• Choose a sunny location with at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Use sharp, clean tools when cutting to reduce the risk of disease.
• Water moderately. Peonies prefer well-drained soil and dislike soggy conditions.

Groot & Groot: order peonies in bulk

Would you like to know more about whether you can root peony cuttings in water or do you need advice on the best and most reliable ways to propagate peonies? Or are you curious about the availability and pricing of our peony flowers and peony roots? Feel free to contact us. Groot & Groot supplies peony flowers and peony cuttings in wholesale quantities. We supply worldwide to professional growers and (export) wholesalers. At Groot & Groot, we are able to grow peonies all year round, so we are not seasonal. You can email us at info@grootgroot.nl or call us at 0228-208050. We would be happy to help you.