Tips for growing my favorite flowers

OK, ok, I admit it, I am a plant stalker when it comes to my peonies. I routinely wander our Peony garden and field every morning, and watch these amazing flowers from emerging stem to bloom. Here are my tips from experience over the years, hopefully you can become obsessed as well ;).

Peonies are the crown jewels of the spring garden. With their lush blooms, sweet fragrance, and long lifespan, these perennial favorites add elegance and charm to any landscape. Whether you’re aiming for a classic cottage garden or a formal border, learning how to grow peonies will reward you for generations.

Why Peonies Are Garden Royalty

Peonies are beloved for their breathtaking flowers, which bloom in a spectrum of pinks, reds, whites, and yellows. Each blossom can span up to 10 inches across and lasts for several weeks in late spring to early summer. Their foliage stays attractive throughout the growing season, and established plants can live for 50 years or more with minimal care.

Choosing the Right Peony Variety

There are three main types of peonies-

• Herbaceous Peonies – Die back to the ground each winter and return in spring. Ideal for garden beds and borders.
• Tree Peonies – Woody shrubs with massive blooms. Best for mixed perennial borders and partial shade.
• Itoh (Intersectional) Peonies – A hybrid of herbaceous and tree peonies, known for large blooms and sturdy stems.

Choose varieties that are well-suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone (most thrive in Zones 3-8).

When and Where to Plant Peonies

Plant bare-root peonies in the fall, typically between late September and early November. They need time to establish roots before winter. Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent rot.

Planting Tips

• Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for airflow.
• Dig a hole about 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide.
• Enrich the soil with compost and aged manure.
• Position the eyes (buds) no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface.

How to Care for Peonies

Peonies are famously low-maintenance but benefit from a few key practices-

• Watering – Deeply water during dry spells, especially in the first year.
• Mulching – Apply organic mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Staking – Use a peony ring or support as blooms can be heavy.
• Feeding – Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and after blooming.

Remove spent blooms to keep the plant tidy and prevent seed production, which can sap energy.

Fertilizing and Soil pH for Peonies

Peonies thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Before planting, test your soil and amend if necessary using lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Healthy soil equals healthy peonies.

Fertilize peonies with a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-10. Apply in early spring when the shoots are just emerging and again lightly after they bloom. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.

Top-dress annually with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and nutrient content without disrupting the roots.

Peony Problems and Solutions

Peonies are relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally encounter-

• Botrytis Blight – A fungal disease that causes blackened stems and buds. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation.
• Ants – Harmless companions often found on buds; they feed on nectar but don’t harm the plant.
• Poor Blooming – Usually caused by planting too deeply or insufficient sunlight.

Dividing and Transplanting Peonies

Peonies dislike being moved, but if needed, divide them in the fall after they go dormant. Dig up the clump, rinse the roots, and divide with a sharp knife, ensuring each section has at least 3-5 eyes. Replant immediately, keeping the eyes just below the surface.

Peonies in Floral Design

Peonies make excellent cut flowers. Harvest when buds are soft like marshmallows, and they will open fully in a vase. Store cut peonies dry in the fridge to extend vase life.

Master Gardener Tips

• Avoid planting too deeply; it’s the most common reason peonies fail to bloom.
• Don’t expect blooms in the first year. Peonies often take 2-3 years to establish.
• Mark their location in fall so you don’t accidentally dig them up during dormancy.

Final Thoughts

Once established, peonies are among the most rewarding and enduring perennials you can grow. Their stunning blooms, hardy nature, and long lifespan make them a must-have for gardeners who want reliable spring color with minimal fuss.

Ready to plant your own garden royalty? Choose your peony variety, prep your soil, and enjoy a floral legacy that lasts for decades.