Peonies require consistent moisture, especially during dry spells and when establishing. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Reduce watering after flowering and during dormancy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Deadhead spent flowers promptly by cutting the stem just below the bloom to prevent seed formation and redirect energy into root development and next year's flowers.

In late autumn, after the foliage has naturally yellowed and died back, cut all stems down to about 2-5 cm above ground level. This practice helps prevent fungal diseases and prepares the plant for winter dormancy.

Peonies are primarily propagated by division, ideally in late summer or early autumn after flowering. Carefully dig up the entire clump, gently wash soil from the roots, and divide the crown into sections.

Each section must have at least 3-5 'eyes' (pinkish buds) and a healthy root system. Replant divisions immediately, ensuring eyes are no more than 5 cm deep.

Peonies are long-lived and prefer not to be disturbed, so repotting is infrequent for container-grown plants, typically every few years when they become root-bound.

Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, ensuring good drainage. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix. This is also an opportune time to divide the plant if it has grown too large for its container.