Peonies are beloved by gardeners for their stunning blooms, fragrance, and longevity. As a classic perennial flower, peonies can thrive for decades with minimal care, making them a wonderful addition to any home garden. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow and care for peonies, ensuring they bring beauty and elegance to your garden for years to come.
Introduction to Peonies
Peonies (Paeonia spp.) are hardy, long-lived perennials that bloom in late spring and early summer, gracing gardens with their lush, large flowers and rich colors. These low-maintenance plants can thrive for decades, often outlasting the gardeners who plant them, and they are deer-resistant, making them even more desirable.
Benefits of Growing Peonies
- Long-Lasting Blooms: Peonies produce striking flowers that bloom year after year with minimal maintenance.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, peonies require little attention beyond seasonal care.
- Versatility in Garden Design: Their wide range of colors and forms make them perfect for a variety of garden styles.
For more on planting flowers that brighten your garden year after year, explore this flower gardening guide.
1. Types of Peonies
There are three main types of peonies, each with unique characteristics and care needs. Knowing the differences can help you choose the best type for your garden.
Herbaceous Peonies
Herbaceous peonies are the most common variety, with soft, green stems that die back to the ground each winter. They bloom profusely in late spring and early summer and come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow.
- Popular Varieties: ‘Sarah Bernhardt,’ ‘Karl Rosenfield,’ and ‘Festiva Maxima.’
Tree Peonies
Tree peonies are woody-stemmed perennials that retain their structure year-round. They bloom slightly earlier than herbaceous peonies and often have larger, more exotic-looking flowers.
- Unique Traits: Tree peonies can grow up to 4-5 feet tall, adding a shrub-like presence to the garden.
- Care Differences: They require slightly more protection from extreme cold than herbaceous peonies.
Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies
Itoh or intersectional peonies are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies. They inherit the best qualities of both types: large flowers, sturdy stems, and extended bloom times.
- Advantages: Itoh peonies bloom for a longer period and are less prone to flopping over.
- Popular Varieties: ‘Bartzella’ and ‘Garden Treasure.’
2. Planting Peonies
Proper planting is essential for ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms.
When to Plant Peonies
The best time to plant peonies is in early fall, as this allows the roots to establish before winter. In warmer climates, early spring planting may also be successful.
How to Plant Peonies
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil and add compost to improve drainage.
- Planting Depth: Plant peony roots about 2 inches deep, with the “eyes” (small red or pink buds) facing upwards. Planting too deeply can prevent blooming.
- Spacing: Space plants about 3-4 feet apart to allow for airflow and growth.
Where to Plant Peonies
Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Avoid planting in low areas where water may collect, as peonies are prone to root rot in overly wet conditions.
3. Growing and Caring for Peonies
Once established, peonies require minimal maintenance, but proper care helps them thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
Light Requirements
Peonies perform best in full sun, which encourages large, abundant blooms. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect blooms from fading.
Soil and Fertilizer
- Soil Preparation: Peonies prefer loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- Fertilizer: Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth emerges.
Watering Needs
Peonies need about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as they don’t tolerate soggy soil.
Temperature and Climate Adaptability
Peonies are hardy in zones 3-8 and can withstand cold winters. They need a period of winter dormancy to bloom, making them ideal for cooler climates.
4. Seasonal Care for Peonies
Peonies have different care needs in each season. Following these seasonal guidelines will keep your plants healthy and blooming.
Spring
As peonies emerge in spring, apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove any remaining winter mulch to allow new shoots to grow freely.
Summer
During bloom time, deadhead faded flowers to encourage healthy growth. Use support rings if your peonies are prone to flopping over from the weight of their blooms.
Fall
Cut back herbaceous peonies to ground level after the first frost to prevent disease. For tree peonies, remove only dead or damaged wood.
Winter
In colder climates, add a protective layer of mulch over the root zone to protect peonies during severe winter freezes.
5. How to Prune and Transplant Peonies
Pruning and transplanting are essential for maintaining healthy growth and encouraging blooms.
Pruning
- When to Prune: Prune herbaceous peonies in the fall after they’ve gone dormant. Tree peonies should only be pruned to remove dead or damaged wood.
- How to Prune: Use clean, sharp shears to cut herbaceous stems back to the ground.
Transplanting Peonies
Peonies don’t like to be moved, but if necessary, transplant them in the fall. Dig carefully around the root ball, replant quickly, and water thoroughly to help reduce transplant shock.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Peonies are generally resilient but can encounter some common problems. Here’s how to address them:
Leggy Stems
Peonies may develop weak or leggy stems if they don’t receive enough sunlight. Ensure they are in a full-sun location and consider adding support rings if they need extra stability.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white powder on leaves and can be prevented by ensuring good airflow and watering at the base. Use a fungicide if mildew persists.
Lack of Blooms
Peonies may fail to bloom due to deep planting, lack of sunlight, or improper pruning. Ensure plants are only 2 inches deep and receive full sun for the best chance at blooming.
For more troubleshooting tips, consult this detailed peony growing guide.
6. Harvesting and Displaying Peonies
Peonies make stunning cut flowers with a long vase life if harvested correctly.
When to Harvest
Harvest peonies just before they fully open, when buds feel soft but haven’t yet unfurled. This stage is called the “marshmallow stage.”
Keeping Peonies in a Vase
- Vase Life: Peonies last 5-7 days in a vase. Change the water daily and trim the stems every few days to prolong freshness.
- Display Tips: Place in a cool spot away from direct sunlight to prevent wilting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are there ants on my peonies?
Ants are attracted to the nectar on peony buds, but they don’t harm the plant. Simply rinse them off before bringing peonies indoors.
2. How long do peonies live?
Peonies can live for decades, with many plants thriving for over 50 years if properly cared for.
3. Can peonies grow in pots?
Yes, peonies can be grown in large containers, but they may not reach their full potential. Choose a pot at least 18 inches wide with good drainage.