I am in zone 6. Is it too late to plant lilacs and peonies? Thanks!

Cindy Teel
by Cindy Teel
  6 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 14, 2017

    Suggested time for peonies is the fall and for the lilacs is the spring.If you weather allows and it is not to hot,I would try planting them.

  • Kim Kim on Jun 15, 2017

    i would wait til fall its just too hot and u will have to water them in for several days

  • Carolyn from NH Carolyn from NH on Jun 15, 2017

    I am in zone 5 and I have done both in May. And always water new plantings every evening or early morning for a week or two. Because peonie are blooming NOW you might want to wait on those till Fall on those. Happy planting 🤗


  • 13526476 13526476 on Jun 16, 2017

    I'm in zone 6a. Because of the heat, it's too late to plant bulbs or roots for spring perennials, especially peonies; they need time for leaf growth to "feed" the roots. If you have a lilac stem (small plant), you could try planting it, all the while giving it the upmost care you can. I was lucky with a dogwood but I really babysat it; it really didn't take off until the second spring.

    • Cindy Teel Cindy Teel on Jun 16, 2017

      Thanks zone 6a! So if I want to play it safe I should wait for fall?

  • 13526476 13526476 on Jun 16, 2017

    I'd definitely wait until fall or EARLY spring for the peonies and spring for your lilac, full sun for both. Be sure to be vigilant with planting instructions and watering. The 6 zone lends itself to beautiful spring blooms, this year was spectacular!

  • 13526476 13526476 on Jun 16, 2017

    I personally wouldn't risk the plants by placing them now. You can plant the peonies (or any other spring bulb or root) in late fall or EARLY spring, following planting directions scrupulously. I'd wait until spring to plant the lilac. Spring in Zone 6 was so amazing this year; I hope Spring 2017 will be equally amazing for you!