Let’s talk peonies!

Peonies are my favorite flower and I know I am not alone.   The big, bold blooms catch everyone’s eye.  In addition to gorgeous flowers you have a plant that has nice foliage and does not leave a bare spot in your garden.  Peonies are fabulous for cutting and will last up to ten days in a vase.

  Here are a few simple tips for planting and growing peonies.   Pictured below is Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’.

1. Peonies are best planted in the fall at least six weeks before the first frost.   They can be planted in the spring but take time to catch up.
2. Don’t plant peonies too deep into the soil.   This is a big reason why peonies do not bloom!
3. Give peonies some space in the garden.  They do not like to compete with shrubs and trees for moisture.    Peonies can be planted with other perennials and look beautiful with iris, veronicas and salvias.
4. Peonies prefer about 6 hours of sun.
5. Be patient.  I know this is a hard one. Peonies can take a few years to really get going but can last for 50 years. I have found many abandoned beautiful peonies in old overgrown gardens.
6. Don’t worry about the ants.   They will go away when the buds open.
7. Staking peonies is a pain sometimes but the stems really appreciate the support.  Not easy holding up those huge blooms.
8. Fertilizing is not necessary but if you do make sure it is a low nitrogen fertilizer because too much can be harmful to the peony.