Peonies Flowers

Peonies - A Perennial Garden Favorite

Executive Summary about Peonies Flowers by Robert Schpok

Peonies were one of the first perennials to populate American gardens because of their large, showy and fragrant flowers produced in mid-to late spring. The flowers range in color from crimson, scarlet, various shades of pink, to pure white. There are also new hybrid and tree peonies with yellow or purple flowers.

Tree peonies also come in single, semi-double and double-flowered forms, and the color range includes every color of the rainbow except for blue. Single flowered varieties seem to do better in shade than doubles.

Probably the most difficult part of growing peonies, like many other perennials is the time it takes to establish them in your garden. Generally do not cut flowers from plants less than three years old and mature plants of five years or more should be left with about 50% of its flowers intact. You should, however, remove the fading and dead flowers to prevent seed development which uses up food reserves.

Peonies are heavy feeders and do not appreciate being moved so it is important to ensure they are planted in good, fertile soil. Peonies also tolerate dryness, but don't expect them to be producing and storing food while the soil is dry.

Because winter chilling is required for dormancy, peonies do not perform well in subtropical areas. If an extra cold winter kills the top growth of a tree peony, cut the dead wood back in the spring. Generally peonies need no winter protection, but mulch may be necessary in a few very cold areas.

How to Plant Peony Plants And Roots For Great Peony Flower Blooms In The Spring

Executive Summary about Peonies Flowers by Paula L

It is very important that peony plants not be planted too deep. Peonies that are planted too deep will not bloom. Because peonies are slow to establish it will be several years before you realize that you planted your peonies too deep and you will have lost several growing seasons.

Peonies will grow in average to poor soil but it is good to amend the soil with compost or topsoil if you have poor soil. Place the peony root in the hole with the eyes facing up (the eyes are little white points on the root). Cover the peony plant with exactly 1 inch of dirt over the eyes. If the peony is planted deeper than this it will not bloom.

The proper time for planting peonies is in the fall. Peonies can be planted as long as the ground has not frozen. It is normal to have top growth while they are getting established.

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Growing Peonies

Tips to Growing Peonies

Executive Summary about Growing Peonies by Robert Leverton

Peonies are some of the most flexible perennials. Peonies can make a nice touch along a shrub border, wall or fence.

Planting and growing peonies is not difficult as these plants are recognized mostly for their hardiness.  Peonies are very tough and versatile plants. For best results, plant peonies in a sunny or slightly shady area. 

Peonies will thrive in most soils considering that they aren't too damp and are sufficiently drained. They grow well on chalk and actually do favor alkaline conditions. If you have light soil include some loam or good organic compost. 

Growing peonies also involves staking them, particularly if they have the likelihood of toppling over during mid-summer. To stake well, start soon in the growing season. 

Blooms for bouquets must be clipped off as soon as the exterior petals unfurl. Try not to take away too many numbers of leaves when picking flowers. Leaves should stay on the plant to generate food for the next season's development and flowering. 

Problems With Peonies?

Executive Summary about Growing Peonies by Yvonne Cunnington

Peony plants form their buds in the fall. A clump that's been divided has a much-reduced root system, and it sometimes doesn't have the strength to develop all its buds. This problem goes away as the plant matures.

Winters that are colder than normal and late spring frosts can abort the buds of mature as well as new plants. The best remedy is to protect peony clumps with winter mulch (fall leaves or Christmas tree boughs work well) applied in late fall or early winter after you have cut down the previous season's foliage.

In cool wet springs, peonies can be affected by botrytis blight. You should remove any wilted stems, cutting below the affected area. Be careful not to allow diseased material come into contact with healthy stems. 

To prevent problems, always plant your peonies in a sunny spot, spacing them to allow for good air circulation, and do a good clean-up of old leaves each fall.

Generally, peonies grow well for many seasons, as long as they have humus-rich soil, adequate moisture and full sun. However, if your plants have been in the same spot for years, the soil may be depleted. Mulching them each spring and fall with a couple of shovels full of well-rotted manure or garden compost can help.

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