How to Grow and Care for Peonies

Peonies are cherished for their stunning blooms and delightful fragrance. These perennial favorites bring a touch of elegance to any garden with their large, colorful flowers and lush foliage. Growing and caring for peonies involves understanding their specific needs and providing the right environment for them to thrive. This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully cultivate these beautiful plants.

Choosing the Right Peony Varieties

Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies are the most common type, known for their soft, often fragrant blooms and bushy foliage. They die back to the ground each winter and re-emerge in spring.

Popular Varieties:

• ‘Sarah Bernhardt’: Known for its large, pink blooms and strong fragrance.
• ‘Festiva Maxima’: Features large, white flowers with a hint of pink.

Tree Peonies

Tree peonies are woody shrubs with a more tree-like growth habit. They produce large, often dramatic flowers and have a more permanent presence in the garden.

Popular Varieties:

• ‘Shima Nishiki’: Known for its unique, variegated petals.
• ‘Hana-kiri’: Features vibrant red blooms with a strong fragrance.

Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies

Intersectional peonies are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies. They combine the best features of both types, including strong stems and unique flower colors.

Popular Varieties:

• ‘Bartzella’: Features large, yellow blooms with a slight fragrance.
• ‘Cora Louise’: Known for its striking coral-pink flowers.

Planting Peonies

1. Choosing the Location

Sunlight: Peonies thrive in full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil: Peonies prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They do not like wet, heavy soils, so ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Space: Peonies need space to grow. Plant them at least 3-4 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to ensure good air circulation.

2. Preparing the Soil

Soil Testing: Test the soil pH to ensure it is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend the soil as needed to adjust pH levels.

Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Ensure the soil is loose and well-draining.

3. Planting Peonies

Timing: The best time to plant peonies is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish roots before winter.

Planting Depth: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the peony root (or “eyes”) so that the top of the root is 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can inhibit blooming.

Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to accommodate their mature size and to ensure good air circulation.

Caring for Peonies

Watering

Regular Watering: Peonies need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply to encourage strong root growth, but avoid waterlogging.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

Fertilizing

Spring Fertilization: Feed peonies with a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Mid-Summer: You can provide a second application of fertilizer after blooming to support healthy growth.

Pruning

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent seed formation.

Fall Pruning: In the fall, cut back the foliage to the ground after it has died back. This helps prevent disease and prepares the plant for winter.

Supporting Peonies

Staking: Tall varieties of peonies may require staking to prevent them from flopping over. Install stakes in early spring before the plants become too large.

Winter Care

Protection: In colder climates, provide a layer of mulch or straw over the base of the plants to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Common Peony Problems

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery substance on leaves and stems.

Treatment: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Apply fungicides if needed.

Ants on Peonies

Symptoms: Presence of ants on buds.

Treatment: Ants are often attracted to the sugary sap of peony buds. Washing buds with water and soap can help deter ants.

Peony Wilt

Symptoms: Wilting leaves and stems, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

Treatment: Ensure proper spacing and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected parts and dispose of them properly.

Dividing and Transplanting

When to Divide

Timing: Peonies should be divided in the fall or early spring, after they have finished blooming or before new growth begins.

Process: Dig up the plant and separate the root clumps into smaller sections, each with at least 3-5 “eyes.” Replant promptly.

Transplanting Peonies

Timing: Transplant in the fall or early spring. Choose a new location with similar soil and light conditions.

Process: Follow the same planting steps as for new plants, ensuring the roots are placed at the correct depth and spacing.

Conclusion

Peonies are a timeless and elegant addition to any garden, offering stunning blooms and rich fragrances. By choosing the right varieties, providing optimal growing conditions, and following proper care guidelines, you can enjoy a beautiful display of peonies year after year. Whether you’re planting for the first time or looking to enhance an existing garden, these tips will help you cultivate a thriving peony garden.