A peony bush covered in fat buds is a welcome sight in New Hampshire dooryards. The state’s long, cold winters give peonies the rest they need to flower.
Best Peonies to Grow in New Hampshire
The peony types to compare are herbaceous, tree, intersectional and woodland peonies, which need a cold winter rest to flower. USDA hardiness zones here run from 3b to 6a, reflecting the state’s cold winters.
Garden Peony
The garden, or herbaceous, peony (Paeonia hybrids) is the classic border plant. It thrives where winters are cold, and New Hampshire’s are. It dies back to the ground each year, so cut the foliage back after frost.
Tree Peony
The woody tree peony (including Paeonia suffruticosa) keeps its stems through winter, so it is never cut to the ground. Its blooms come before the garden types, in the stretch of late spring. Give it a spot where the woody frame can stay in place.
Intersectional Peony
Also called the Itoh, the intersectional peony is a hybrid of the garden and tree peonies. It is the last group to bloom, so it stretches the season into June. Plant it beside a garden peony to extend color.
Woodland Peony
The woodland peony (Paeonia japonica) is white-flowered and opens first in the sequence, ahead of the tree peonies. It suits a gardener who wants the season to start early. Expect a short show, since each group takes its turn rather than overlapping for long.
New Hampshire — the year and the numbers
- State
- New Hampshire
- USDA zones
- 3b-6a
- Last spring frost
- April 16 to April 27
- First fall frost
- October 13 to October 26
- Annual rain
- 40 in
- Lawn zone
- cool-season
- Source
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, 32F freeze probabilities · Manchester
How to Choose a Peony for a New Hampshire Garden
Because the state spans USDA zones 3b to 6a, check the label against your local zone before choosing a peony. It is which type fits your time, space and taste. Match the situation below to the type that suits it.
Check your own county’s conditions too, since winter cold varies across the state.
| Your situation | What suits it in New Hampshire | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Very cold winter | Garden peony | Cold winters give the rest it needs to flower |
| Need winter cold to bloom | Any of the four types | New Hampshire winters provide the cold rest peonies need to flower |
| Little time for upkeep | Tree peony | Woody stems stay in place, so there is no cutting back |
| Long bloom season | Woodland, tree, garden and intersectional together | Their bloom periods follow one another, from late spring into June |
New Hampshire’s cold winters support flowering, but local growing conditions still matter. In a small space, try a woodland peony in a shaded corner instead of a mixed group.
Which Peonies Suit Different Parts of New Hampshire
Match the peony to your local USDA zone, because winter cold varies across the state.
- White Mountains: Winters run colder at elevation, so the garden peony and the tree peony have no trouble getting their cold rest. Expect bloom to arrive later in the season.
- Seacoast: Winters are milder near the water, but still cold enough for flowering. Choose a type rated for your local USDA zone.
- Lakes Region: Cold winters here suit garden peonies well, and frost can linger later in spring, so check your own county before planting.
The reference city, Concord, sees its last spring frost between April 16 and April 27, and gardens outside town usually see it later.
Peony Buying Mistakes to Avoid in New Hampshire
Planting Too Deep
A peony set too deep may bloom poorly or never come up. Keep the eyes near the soil surface when you plant so the peony can flower well.
Planting at the Wrong Time
Planting or dividing is best in August and September, and it can also be done in October. Spring planting is possible but may delay flowers a year. A newly planted peony may not bloom the first spring, so do not judge it too soon.
Cutting Back the Wrong Peony
Cut herbaceous peonies back after frost, in November or December, or wait until March or April. Never cut a tree peony to the ground, since its woody stems carry next year’s growth.
Where to Get Peony Advice in New Hampshire
Local advice settles questions that general guides cannot, such as which varieties your neighbors grow well.
- University of New Hampshire Extension answers plant and soil questions, and fall is a good time to ask before planting.
- Your county extension office can speak to conditions in your town, so call before ordering roots.
Common Questions
When Do Peonies Bloom in New Hampshire?
Peonies bloom in May and June, depending on the type.
Can You Transplant a Peony in Spring?
Yes, though planting in spring may delay flowers a year. August and September are the better months.
When Should You Cut Back Peonies?
Herbaceous peonies are cut back in November or December, once the foliage has died back. Early spring is the other window.