How to Grow Peonies from Cuttings (What Actually Works)

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Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers in cottage gardens, producing huge, fragrant blooms that return year after year.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can grow peonies from cuttings, you’re not alone.

The answer is a little surprising: unlike many perennials, peonies are rarely propagated successfully from stem cuttings.

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Most gardeners grow new peonies through division rather than cuttings because it is far more reliable and produces healthier plants.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to multiply your peony collection.

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Can You Grow Peonies from Cuttings?

Technically, some gardeners have experimented with rooting peony stem cuttings, but success rates are extremely low.

Herbaceous peonies and tree peonies develop complex root systems that do not root easily from stem cuttings the way plants like mint, lavender, or hydrangeas do.

For most home gardeners, dividing an established peony plant is the best method of propagation.

If you’re looking to expand your peony patch, you may find these guides helpful:

Why Peony Cuttings Often Fail

Peony stems lack the natural rooting ability found in many other garden plants.

Even when cuttings survive for a short period, they often fail to produce the strong root systems needed to support long-term growth.

Common challenges include:

Slow root development
Rotting before roots form
Weak plants that fail to survive winter
Several years before flowering occurs

For this reason, commercial growers rarely propagate peonies from stem cuttings.

How to Try Growing Peonies from Cuttings

If you enjoy gardening experiments, you can certainly try rooting peony cuttings.

Step 1: Take Softwood Cuttings

In late spring or early summer:

Choose healthy, disease-free stems.
Select non-flowering shoots whenever possible.
Cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node.
Remove leaves from the lower half of the stem.

Step 2: Apply Rooting Hormone

Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel.

While rooting hormone doesn’t guarantee success, it may improve the odds of root formation.

Step 3: Plant in a Sterile Medium

Fill a pot with:

Perlite
Vermiculite
Seed-starting mix

Insert the cutting about 2 inches deep.

Step 4: Maintain Humidity

Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome.

Keep the growing medium lightly moist but never soggy.

Step 5: Be Patient

Place the container in bright, indirect light.

If rooting occurs, it may take several months. Even then, survival is not guaranteed.

The Better Method: Dividing Peonies

If your goal is to create more peony plants, division is by far the best option.

Mature peonies can be divided in fall when plants are dormant. Each division should contain:

3–5 healthy eyes (buds)
A strong section of root
No signs of disease or rot

Learn more in When and How to Divide Peonies This Fall.

Growing Healthy Peonies

Whether you’re growing a new division or experimenting with cuttings, healthy plants start with proper care.

For more peony-growing advice, check out:

Peonies in Cottage Gardens

Peonies are a classic choice for cottage-style landscapes thanks to their lush blooms and old-fashioned charm.

If you’re designing a flower-filled garden, be sure to visit my guide to Cottage Garden Flowers That Bloom All Summer for more perennial favorites that pair beautifully with peonies.