Peony plants typically cost $15-$45 each, with an average near $28 for a healthy bare-root division or a small potted plant. Price depends on whether the plant is bare-root or container-grown, the variety and maturity, and whether planting labor or delivery is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare-root peony | $10 | $25 | $60 | Price per division; named or premium varieties can cost more |
| Potted peony | $20 | $35 | $75 | Price per plant; container size and season affect price |
| Planting labor | $15 | $35 | $75 | Per plant, when hired separately |
| Installed plant | $30 | $65 | $150 | Plant and labor; delivery or site work may add fees |
What a peony plant costs by type and size
A typical bare-root peony costs $15-$35, while a potted plant commonly runs $25-$50. Small starter plants may be available for less, and established container-grown plants or rare cultivars can exceed $60. For a simple planting of three average plants, the plant-only budget is about $45-$150, before soil amendments, delivery, or labor.
For the lowest purchase price, compare bare-root divisions by the number of healthy eyes, not just by the listing price. Bare-root stock is usually sold dormant and planted in fall or early spring. Potted plants provide a more immediate display but cost more to ship and maintain at the nursery.
Assumptions: U.S. retail nursery pricing, common herbaceous varieties, and healthy plants in standard condition.
Bare roots, pots, and planting supplies on the quote
Plant invoices vary with stock type and shipping method. If a landscaper supplies the plants, the quote may combine materials and labor rather than list each item. Use these ranges to check whether a quoted total includes the basic planting materials.
| Cost item | Typical price | Unit or scope | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare-root plant | $10-$60 | Per division | Variety, root size, and number of eyes |
| Potted plant | $20-$75 | Per plant | Pot size, maturity, and season |
| Compost or soil amendment | $5-$20 | Per plant allowance | Existing soil and bed preparation |
| Delivery or shipping | $8-$35 | Per order | Distance, package size, and order minimum |
| Planting labor | $15-$75 | Per plant | Access, bed condition, and crew minimum |
Ask whether delivery, amendments, and the contractor’s minimum charge are included before comparing installed prices.
How variety, root size, and pot diameter affect price
Common pink, white, and red herbaceous peonies usually cost less than unusual colors, highly double blooms, or named introductions. A standard two- or three-eye bare-root division may cost $15-$35; larger divisions with four or more eyes often run $30-$60. Tree peonies and intersectional hybrids commonly fall around $40-$100 or more, depending on cultivar and plant size.
Container size is another clue: a 1-gallon pot may cost $20-$40, while a 2- to 3-gallon specimen can reach $45-$90. A premium price does not guarantee more flowers immediately, since peonies can take a few seasons to establish. Bare-root eyes planted deeper than about 2 inches may produce few or no blooms, so correct planting depth matters more than buying the largest division.
For a fair comparison, match the plant type, eye count, container size, and cultivar name.
Three peony planting examples with realistic totals
| Project | Plants and materials | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bare-root plant | 1 division at $20-$35; $5-$10 amendment | 1 plant, about 20-30 minutes | $40-$90 installed |
| Four potted plants | 4 plants at $25-$45 each; $15-$35 supplies | 1-2 hours for a prepared bed | $150-$400 installed |
| Eight premium varieties | 8 plants at $40-$75 each; $25-$60 supplies | 2-4 hours, depending on access | $450-$1,000 installed |
These examples assume ordinary access and no removal of existing shrubs, extensive digging, or major soil correction. Small jobs can cost more per plant when a contractor’s minimum visit charge applies.
What planting labor adds to a peony installation
A gardener or landscaper may charge $50-$100 per hour, with a one- to two-hour minimum common for small residential visits. Planting a peony in a prepared bed can take about 15-30 minutes; compacted soil, roots, rocks, or heavy clay can extend the work. A crew may also charge a separate travel or setup fee of $25-$75.
Labor estimate: 1.5 hours × $50-$100 per hour equals $75-$150, before any minimum or travel fee. A quote should specify whether the contractor is digging, amending soil, watering in, and hauling away packaging.
How to lower the price without sacrificing peony health
Buying dormant bare-root divisions in fall often costs less than buying large potted plants at peak spring demand. Choose common cultivars and purchase several plants in one order to spread shipping over more units. For a prepared bed, planting the roots yourself can avoid a service minimum; careful handling and correct planting depth are important.
Compare prices by cultivar and root size, and avoid paying extra for a mature-looking plant if a smaller division fits the schedule. Ask nurseries about multi-plant discounts, but check that all divisions are healthy and correctly labeled. Keeping the job to planting and basic soil preparation prevents unrelated landscaping work from inflating the quote.
Regional peony prices and shipping differences
Nursery prices and service rates vary by local supply, shipping distance, and labor costs. In areas with many specialty growers, common bare-root varieties may run about 5%-15% below the national typical range. In high-cost metro areas or regions relying on shipped stock, plant and labor totals can be 10%-25% higher. Rural buyers may pay less for labor but more for delivery or contractor travel.
Peonies grow best in climates with a winter chill period, so suitable varieties and local availability differ by region. Shipping a dormant root may add $8-$35 per order; expedited delivery can cost more. Compare the delivered price, not just the plant’s shelf price.
Long-term peony value and replacement expenses
Once established, peonies can return for many years and generally need little routine spending beyond occasional compost or mulch. A basic annual allowance of $5-$20 per plant covers modest soil amendments; staking supplies may add $5-$15 for each plant that needs support. Established plants are often divided only when crowded or when a gardener wants more plants, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Replacing a failed plant can cost $15-$75 for the plant, plus shipping or labor. Failure risk rises if roots dry out before planting, the site stays waterlogged, or eyes are buried too deeply. Good drainage and correct planting depth help protect the initial purchase.