I got my bareroot of the internet from a UK based company called thompson & morgan.

It arrived with 3 buds/eyes. This is my 1st ever peony purchase and so I have very limited experience but from what I've read, you should try and get one with at least 3 eyes.

Hope that helps!

Hi,
I have these as well, so far, one of them has started to develop some green near the base, the other one hasn't done anything yet, I'm still waiting.
I buy most of my peonies bare-root-24 so far, I think. They take time, but they do look nice when they finally bloom.
Tree peonies are new to me, so I'm being patient and I did follow the planting instructions, so hopefully in a few years I'll have blooms to enjoy.

Kate, I think you made the right move. Those bareroot plants should have been planted months ago and even if you could get one to push a few leaves out, it might take several years to recover from the rough handling. Better to save your money and wait for healthy plants in my opinion.

Thanks everyone. I'm glad I'm not the only one that did not sound right to. Normally when the owner of our local nursery recommends something I would not hesitate but this was the exception. They just looked so pathetic. I think I'll hold off until next year and order some from a reputable source instead.

Kate