Hi all, Just found this forum recently, it's really helpful. I bought a tree penoy from a grocery garden center. After reading previous posting, I learned I should dig a deep hole and plant peony at least 8" deep. But I am confused about how deep I should plant the potted one? I don't know where is the graft union, and since the pot is only 8" tall, I am wondering if the "graft union" is above ground? Please take a look at my pic, is "A" or "B" the 'graft union"? Thanks in advance, Joe
The graft union is at 'B', and you want that (for a tree peony) below the soil level, so that it has an opportunity to grow new roots from above the graft point. Note that this advice only applies to tree peonies, not to other grafted plants!
Thank you very much Michael! The lable says it is tree peony, Yoshino gawa. But do you think it is good to plant the 'graft union' 8" deep under the soil? There is only 4" between A and B. So is it ok I only bury A to the soil level?
You want the tree peony to take root, probably better to have plenty of it buried so there is more stem length to form roots (as with a tomato or clematis). Maybe bury it up to the bottom leaves, for now, with option of gradually adding a bit more soil in future. Any grafted plant where the grafting is used only to propagate the scion (such as with your tree peony), with the rootstock not conferring any specific attributes such as nematode resistance or dwarfness may end up being planted a bit deep or gradually covered in the hope that the scion will get onto its own roots. Some are aware of this being desired and undertake this approach.