By some estimates, there are as many as 33 species within the genusPaeonia,known collectively as peonies.
Most are herbaceousperennials, though a few are woody shrubs.
Peonies are medium-sized with tuberous thick storage roots and thin roots designed to absorb water and nutrients.
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It’s critical to carefully handle the rootswhen planting, transplanting, or dividing peonies to propagate.
Peonies contain the compound paeonol, which is mildly toxic to animals.
The peonies offered at plant society sales or plant swaps are usually the tuberous bare root varieties.
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When choosing potted peonies, look for healthy specimens without leaf spots or weak-looking stems.
When planting from bare tuberous roots, ensure the root clump has at least three to five eyes.
These eyes will eventually elongate and become the plant’s stems.
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A mature peony should be at least three to four years old before it is divided into bare roots.
This gives the plant time to settle in and establish roots before winter.
This is especially true when planting bare-root peonies or transplanting.
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Planting potted peonies in the fall also offers better results.
Selecting a Planting Site
Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds.
That means a 3- to 4-foot diameter for each plant.
Peonies like a good chill in the winter.
Set their flower buds by planting peony roots relatively close to the soil surfaceonly about 2 inches deep.
It may feel odd to leave roots exposed but peonies need this chilling to attain dormancy and set buds.
Your peonies will benefit from some support staking.
Fall is the best time to move a peony.
Transplanting requires compost or peat moss, a sharp spade, and a tarp.
Soil
Peonies are adaptable but prefer a well-drained, slightly acidic soil (6.5-7.0 pH).
Water
Peonies need moist, well-drained soil to thrive.
Ideally, they should receive 1 to 2 inches of water weekly.
They can thrive in relatively wet areas but are not drought-resistant.
Mulch your peonies to help them retain water and lessen the likelihood of weeds.
Fertilizer
Feed peonies lightly.
An annualapplication of compostmixed with a small amount offertilizeraround the base of the plant is all that is needed.
When you feed with compost and fertilizer, do it just after the plants have finished blooming.
Dont smother peonies with mulch in winter.
Unlike herbaceous peonies, they prefer regular feeding with a 5-10-5 fertilizer.
Types of Peonies
Pruning
Peonies require little pruning.
Once yours has finished blooming,cut back dead stemsand branches.
If a stem appears diseased, cut back before the affected part.
If two branches rub against each other, remove the least desirable branch.
When pruning peonies, always cut back to right above the first bud.
Use black seeds, the red seeds are not viable.
Potted peonies need full sun and demand more water.
Dwarf varieties are the most suitable peonies for pots.
Overwintering
Before winter, cut peonies down to ground level and remove leaves and debris.
This will reduce fungal spores from lingering into spring to reinfect your peonies.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Peonies are especially prone to gray mold (botrytis).
Using copper soap fungicides helps as well.
Gardeners often find peony blossoms covered by ants attracted to nectar secreted by the highly fragrant flowers.
Give your cut peonies a gentle shake before bringing them indoors for decoration.
What Do Peony Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Peony flowers canrange widely in color,form, and scent.
Flowers can be 3- to 6-inches in diameter with petals in single, semi-double, or double forms.
Fragrant peonies can smell like roses, spice, citrus, or slightly sweet.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Give peonies at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Ensure they are planted no more than 2 inches deep and fed lightly once a year.
Remove and destroy affected parts of the plant.
Cut down to the base if necessary.
Remove debris, use ground irrigation, and improve air circulation.
Use a fungicide as a preventative.
Peonies need at least six hours of full sun and good air circulation.
Remove affected parts of the plant, improve drainage, and avoid overwatering.
Dark Splotches on Leaves
Hot, humid weather can cause peony leaf blotch.
Peoniesare classic garden plants that thrive for decades with minimal care when planted in soil that meets their needs.
It is important to plant peonies correctly because they can be temperamental when moved once they’re established.
), a hybrid between herbaceous peonies and tree peonies with large, long-lasting blooms.
Fern-leaf peonies (Paeonia tenuifolia)are among the rarest types.
A peony started by seed takes three to five years for flowers to appear.
Nursery plants can bloom in the first year, but younger plants may take as long as two years.
Germinating Peony Seeds (Outdoor Method).The American Peony Society.
Ants on Peony Flowers: An Example of Biological Mutualism.
