Growing Guide for Peonies
18.01.2024 - 21:37
/ backyardgardener.com
Few perennials can offer what the peony does–beautiful, prolific flowers in early summer and good foliage afterwards. Once established, peonies will flower for many years with minimum care. Moreover, they’re incredibly hardy and can easily withstand cold northern winters.
The basic types of peonies are herbaceous (Paeonia officinalis), which grow to heights of two to four feet; fern-leaved (Paeonia tenufolia), with finely dissected leaves; and bush or tree (Paeonia suffruticosa), which may reach four to six feet. The latter produces many flowers on woody, shrub-like plants. Then there are the hybrids with flower colors of the tree peonies, yet the habit of the herbaceous peonies. These hybrids, and the tree peonies, often are quite expensive.
Most gardeners seem to have better luck growing the herbaceous forms. However, don’t rule out tree peonies if they are hardy in your area. When fully mature and in full bloom, they are spectacular.
Peonies are usually planted in the fall from bare roots, although they may be purchased in the spring or summer as potted plants. They should be planted in an area that receives at least six to eight hours of sun daily. When grown in shady areas, they will produce good foliage but few, if any, flowers.
As with most perennials, a well-drained soil is the prime prerequisite for good growth and flowering. Before planting, you may need to add organic matter, such as coarse sphagnum peat moss, rotted manure, or similar material. Dig it in deeply.
When planting, set the tuber (thickened root) of the herbaceous peony so the buds will be between one and two inches below the surface of the soil. Don’t plant them any deeper because this will produce lots of foliage but few, if any, flowers. The buds or