Peonies are my absolute favorite flower. I’ve loved them for years and years, even before I started gardening. They are one of the most popular cut flowers for a reason. They’re gorgeous! Peonies have big fluffy petals and come in a wide variety of colors. They’re relatively easy to grow and are perennials so they come back year after year….and each year is better than the previous one.
About Peonies
- PERENNIAL
- Zones 3-8. They need cold winters to grow and flower best
- Full Sun (6+hours of direct sunlight per day)
- Neutral to slightly alkaline pH
- Blooms late spring to early summer
- Depending on variety, they can be at least 3 ft tall and 3 ft wide
- Loose, fertile, well drained soil
- Rhizome
- Relatively pest resistant. Can be susceptible to mildew if leaves are left wet often
- Fragrant
- Excellent cut flower and long vase life if kept watered
- Can be grown in large pots or in the ground
Maintenance
- Requires cages for flowers. The flowers get so big and heavy that they can topple over and lay on the ground. To support these beauties, get a support cage and place around the plant in early spring before it gets too tall
- Keep well watered for the first 2-3 years.
- Does well with all purpose fertilizer in the spring once stems are 6″ tall
- Cut leaves back to the ground in the fall once they turn yellow and dispose of any that are diseased
- Remove flowers after the flower heads are spent
- Can be divided in the fall but wait until plant is established
- Attracts ants but they do not harm the flower.
Seeds and Dividing
- Can collect and grow from seed
- will take years to become established and flower
- collect seed pods and allow to dry in the open
- Can divide rhizomes in the fall when plant is dormant
- may take a few years to reestablish and flower
- make sure each division has 3-5 eyes or buds
- do not plant more than 2″ deep and give each division room to grow
Peonies are a great option for anyone starting their garden. They take a little patience and the investment is a bit more up front, but are so worth it in the end, especially knowing you can divide them into several plants for years to come.
Free Printable
Recent Comments