Whether as a bridal bouquet or a fresh cut centerpiece, the peony is a perennial favorite. Its voluminous blooms aren’t just lush and romantic, though; they also hold meanings that have been passed down through generations.
From enchanting intersectional cultivars like Bartzella to the classic Duchesse de Nemours, there’s a peony for every garden and growing zone.
BASICS
Zones:
Zones 2-8 based on the variations.
Types:
There are three kinds of peonies: trees, Itoh (intersectional) as well as an herbaceous (bush). Examine them in greater detail by clicking here Different types of peonies.
Height/Spread:
Peonies from trees can grow 4 to 7 feet high and up to 5 feet wide. They can can grow up to three feet high and wide.
Shade or sun?
Full sun, but tree peonies like light shade during the middle-day temperatures.
What time of year do peonies bloom?
In the majority of places flowering flowers are expected to bloom in the months of April, May and June. Expect peonies from trees to flower first (around Mother’s Day), then the herbaceous types (around Memorial Day) and after that, the intersectionals. Incorporate all three varieties in your garden and take advantage of blooms for as long as seven weeks.
Flower colors:
There are white and red maroon, coral and yellow flowering varieties. A lot of them change color when they open. So, be sure to check each day to observe the variations.
Fragrance:
A variety of peony flowers smells wonderful Some are sweet, others are citrusy, while some are somewhat spicy.
Do deer take peonies?
Luckily, they are resistant to rabbits and deer.
HOW TO PLANT PEONIES
When should you plant peonies:
Peonies with bare roots are most effective when planted in the autumn (prior towards the first frost) and have the greatest chance of flowering in the spring following. The ones planted in spring may not flower for more than two years.
Where can you plant peonies?
Peony plants require a spot with between 6 and 8 hours of sun as well as a good drainage system and plenty of space. Finding the best spot is vital to successful growth. The established plants are rooted deep which make transplanting difficult or impossible.
TIP: The experts from the University of Michigan’s Peony Garden at the Nichols Arboretum suggest planting them away from tall trees and other shrubs because they don’t like having root competition.
How deep can you plant a peony?
The depth to which the peony is planted will depend on the kind and the climate in which you live.
- Herbaceous Place them with the “eyes” (next year’s buds) 1/2 inch (in warmer zones) up to two inches (in cooler zones) lower than the surface of the soil.
- Trees: Plant deeper than the herbaceous varieties. Experts recommend digging a hole that is 2 feet deep and one foot wide. Then, amend the backfill by adding organic matter. Place the graft about 4 to 6 inches lower than the surface, so it is that “nurse” herbaceous peony rootstock will be dying.
- Intersectional The plant is located just beneath the surface of the soil 1 inch deep in zones of warm, 1.5 inches in cooler zones.
What kind of soil is ideal for peonies?
Certain gardeners have had success growing these plants in their native soil, however most experts advise amending your soil by adding organic material prior to planting. Make sure they’re in a well-drained soil since they can’t grow well in soil that is wet.
Pots of peonies that are growing:
They are most happy in the garden Peonies can be planted in pots, if you give them enough care.
More frequently water in the summer months, because containers can dry out very quickly.
Choose a large-sized container that has many drainage holes.
In colder regions Bring potted plants into for winter, to shield the plants from freezing temperatures.
PEONY CARE & PRUNING
If properly cared for, a peony plant can live for 40-50 years. They can be a great addition to a perennial garden, but their large size can also make them a good choice for foundation plantings.
To enjoy these luscious flowers in full bloom, it is important to water peonies deeply but regularly. Water at the base of the plant to prevent disease and encourage deep root growth, allowing the roots to absorb nutrients from the soil. Avoid overhead watering and give the plants a chance to dry between waterings, which will promote healthy growth and prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Regular monitoring will help you identify any problems before they become serious. Look for black spot, powdery mildew and aphids, and treat these pests immediately to keep them at bay. Peonies are also susceptible to rot and a fungal disease called root blight. This fungus affects the roots, and can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overwatering. Fungicides can be used to control the disease if it appears.
Another underrated but pivotal aspect of peony care is pruning. In the fall, prune the foliage to remove any old or damaged stems. This helps to reduce the risk of disease and encourages healthy new growth in the spring, setting the stage for a bountiful display of blossoms.
When preparing to cut your peonies, the best time to do so is when the green covering of the bud, known as the sepal, starts to lift. This usually happens between late May and early June. Cutting too soon can cause the buds to fail to open and too late will cause them to wilt.
When storing peonies for use in bouquets, place them in a plastic bag with paper towels wrapped around the bottom of the stems to protect them and to rehydrate them. They can be stored in a frost-free refrigerator for up to six months in bud form. They can also be stored in a glass container of water with a piece of bread on the bottom to keep them submerged – change the water frequently and keep it clean.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN TIPS
-Plant them along borders to give more substance and the color
-Use it as a low, informal hedge
-Plant in conjunction with Shasta daisies, flax and bearded Iris
-A walkway or steps can be slack with dwarf peonies or herbaceous peonies
-They also make great cut flowers.
