Be Patient with Peonies: A guide to growing my favorite perennial
I saw my first Peony when I moved into my current house almost five years ago. My neighbor, carol, is a garden fanatic like me. She is 80 years old and has been gardening in her current home for almost 30 years. We are basically two peas in a pod, besides our age gap of almost 50 years. She and her husband take care of 1.5 acres.. They do it all on there own, it’s amazing. When I first saw her Peonies in bloom, I almost cried with envy. They were the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen and I knew I needed to plant them all over my yard.
If you’re impatient and want beautiful blooms immediately this isn’t the plant for you. For me peonies are more than worth the wait. The blooms are incredibly romantic. They produce large full blooms that resemble roses, but twice the size ,without the thorns. They are highly fragrant and soft on your face. They come in a beautiful array of colors, from dark reds and magentas to soft pinks, yellows, and whites. They are the epitome of timeless and so classic that no cottage garden would be complete without them.
I soon planted them in my own yard. There are many things I have learned from my own experience and from speaking to other people and their great insights. Here are my simple and uncomplicated tips and suggestions.
Bare-roots need to be planted very shallow. They should only be planted 1-2 inches below ground in well draining soil. If you don’t, you will be sad. Peonies wont grow if they are planted too deep. Established plants from the nurseries can be planted like any other perrenials.
Plant bare-root peonies in the fall, so the roots can get established before they develop stems. Plant more established Peonies in spring or fall. Planting in the heat and non-dormant times is not recommended! Choose a spot where they can stay put! This one is hard for me.
Plant in full sun In cooler climates for the most abundant blooms. I live in a desert with very hot temperatures up to 100 degrees so they do well in part shade(4-6) hours of daily sun. Although, I plant them in full sun also. (6-8) hours of daily sun.
Be Patient! Many times I have heard people say they don’t plant Peonies because they flop and don’t produce flowers. They arent waiting long enough. It’s take 3-4 years for peonies to reach there full measure of glory. Also, there are some varieties that need staking and some that don’t. Once they become established and mature they will bring you draw dropping blooms for 50 years or more! They are tough plants that can handle cold like a champ and are very low maintenance at this point.
Some require staking. The blooms on certain varieties are abundant and big and the stems just cant support that kind of weight. That’s okay. All you have to do is buy a Peony cage for about 15 dollars and in early spring place it around the Peony shoots. The cage will support the blooms and the plant. It’s not that big of a deal and totally worth it!
Cut the stalks down to the ground in late fall when it’s beginning to go dormant. This will prepare it for spring.
Once these plants become bigger they grow things called tubers. Which are underground roots that have spread. You can dig these Peony tubers up in fall and divide them and put them throughout your yard! Very cost-effective. They transplant extremely well. You can never have enough Peonies.
It’s fall right now and I already cant wait for next spring, for the beauties to come out of hibernation. I’m already plotting a cutting garden for next year to create rows of Peonies for beautiful bouquets. If you’re smart you can have blooms from spring thru early summer, depending on the variety. Some people complain that they don’t like them because they only bloom once and the flowers come and go so quickly. But for me, the excitement and joy they bring after a long winter is satisfaction enough. If you don’t already, I highly recommend finding a place for Peonies in your garden.
My Favorite Non-Staking Varieties
Bowl of Beauty- One of the favorites for many people
Do Tell
Gay Paree
Itoh Peony Varieties: These are a mix between Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies. I don’t love these as much because the flowers aren’t as full. I am, however, fond of the Bartzella Itoh Peony.
My Favorite Staking Varieties
Sarah Berndnart
White Gardenia
Big Ben
Pronunciation Guide:
Most of the world, probably including you, pronounces this flower (Peony) Pee-Uh-Nee. I usually mis-pronounce it Pee-Oh-Nee. I like to. :)
