Where to Find Gorgeous Fern Leaf Peonies for Your Garden

Fern leaf peonies are a unique type of peony prized for their delicate, finely cut foliage and abundance of single, poppy-like blooms in shades of crimson, pink and white. Their compact size makes them ideal for rock gardens, borders, containers or massed as a floral groundcover

If you’re looking to add these charming heirloom peonies to your garden here’s where to find fern leaf peony plants bulbs and roots for sale

Online Nurseries Selling Fern Leaf Peonies

Several reputable online nurseries offer fern leaf peony plants and bulbs for mail order:

Breck’s

This family-owned bulb and perennial nursery has been in business since 1818. Their fern leaf peony is field grown in Holland, arriving as a premium #1 size root division ideal for fall planting. Expect vibrant crimson blooms on plants that reach 15 inches tall.

Hollingsworth Peonies

A specialty grower offering bare root peony plants, Hollingsworth sells several fern leaf peony varieties including the classic Paeonia tenuifolia fern leaf types with single, poppy-like blooms in vivid magenta.

Bluestone Perennials

This nursery sells the P. tenuifolia species as well as a dwarf pink hybrid called ‘Martha W.’ that blooms in early spring and grows just 12 inches tall.

Van Engelen

Known for their bulb selection, Van Engelen sells P. tenuifolia bulbs in fall for shipment at proper planting time. Expect 7 days earlier blooms than most peonies.

Johnston’s Peonies

This Iowa peony farm offers bare root P. tenufolia divisions harvested from their fields for shipping in September.

When ordering fern leaf peony roots online, choose the largest size available (#1 grade or premium divisions) and plant them promptly upon arrival in fall. This gives the roots time to establish before winter dormancy.

Local Nurseries

Beyond online buying options, visit local nurseries and garden centers to find fern leaf peonies for sale:

• Independent nurseries – Ask at your local independent nurseries to see if they carry fern leaf peony plants in stock or can specially order them. These small businesses are often happy to track down rare plant varieties by request.

• Farmers markets – Check area farmers markets to see if any vendors offer peonies. These are often small specialty growers.

• Spring plant sales – Botanical gardens, public gardens, museums, schools, and garden clubs often hold spring plant sales fundraisers where you may find fern leaf peonies for sale. These events usually occur in May.

• Estate sales – Keep an eye out for estate or garden auctions selling plants from mature private gardens. You may find heritage peonies like fern leaf types passed down for generations.

When buying from local sources, inspect plants carefully for good root systems and signs of health. Ask about the plant’s age, bloom time, mature size, and care requirements before purchasing.

What to Look for When Buying Fern Leaf Peonies

When buying fern leaf peony plants, here are signs of quality to look for:

• Root divisions – Mature roots with 3-5 eyes or growth buds are ideal. Avoid plants with fewer than 3 eyes.

• Root size – Bigger is generally better. Large grade #1 or premium divisions will establish faster.

• Root color – Roots should be firm and white inside. Discoloration or hollowness indicates disease.

• Foliage – Leaves should be fresh and green if still attached. No yellowing or wilting.

• Packaging – Roots should be packed in moist material like sphagnum moss, not dried out.

• Grower reputation – Buy from reputable growers known for selling healthy, true-to-name plants.

When selecting blooming potted peonies in spring, check that the plant looks vigourous and free of disease or pests. Knock it out of the pot to examine the root system before purchasing.

How to Plant and Care for New Fern Leaf Peonies

Once you’ve sourced some fern leaf peony plants, proper planting and care will help them thrive:

• Plant in fall about 6 weeks before first frost for best root growth. Spring planting is also possible.

• Choose a site with full sun to part shade and well-draining soil. Amend clay or sand.

• Dig a hole large enough to spread roots without bending. Plant crown 1 inch below soil.

• Water thoroughly after planting and consistently the first year. Reduce after established.

• Apply phosphorus fertilizer in spring as growth resumes. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.

• Remove spent blooms to neaten appearance and encourage prolonged flowering.

• Cut foliage back to the ground after it browns in late fall to prevent disease.

• Insulate plants with mulch in very cold winter regions for added protection.

With their lacy foliage and abundant single blooms in vivid hues, fern leaf peonies deserve a spot in any garden. Seek out these captivating heirloom perennials from reputable sources and provide good care for seasons of beauty.