A Full Guide for Growing Peonies: Caring for Plants, Species, and Storing During Winter
Peonies are famous for their big, delicate flowers that seem to explode into hues virtually overnight. This amazing transition from small, packed green clusters of flowers to marvelous, often hand-sized vibrant petal layers of blooms is what sets peonies apart from other flowers.
Despite their short blooming period, which is often only a few days, peonies are still among the favorite flowers for many gardeners and are particularly popular in fields for cutting them. Many colors, types and sizes are available for them also, even though there are other types of plants which may take over flower beds after peony flowers die because some peonies retain attractive leaves that turn from green through yellow or orange before turning completely red at the end of the growing season.
There is an in-depth guide about how to grow peonies which has all the information you would require to aid these lovely blossoms to flourish every year.
Table of Contents
Overview
Botanical name: Paeonia spp.
Common name: Peonies
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil type: Loamy, well-draining
Soil pH: Neutral
Bloom time: Spring and summer
Flower color: Pink, purple, red, white, yellow
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
How to Plant Peonies
Given time to take root properly, the peonies become sturdy and dependable. Begin by planting a strong peony plant in the right spot and all will be well with them.
Growing From Seed
Peonies are seldom developed from seed because they take a while to develop, often a number of years. This technique can, however, be beneficial if you’re interested in growing some new species or if you need to multiply them from the ones that you have. Sow peony seeds or collected seed pods (typically gathered in late summer) directly into the ground in autumn.
Growing From Starter Plants
During two seasons, both spring and fall, garden centers usually have peony starter plants that are sold, particularly bare-root tubers. Although the common sense may suggest that it should be done in spring, there is a higher likelihood of survival when plants are planted during autumn.
Ensure the place has enough sunlight as well as proper drainage; then plant tubers some inches under the surface or transplant them from a container without altering the depth. In case winters occur in such regions where they can become extremely harsh, some additional measures may be taken for the first year in order to enable peonies thrive.
Transplanting
Fall is the best time for moving peonies ( growing peonies) . Should a friend have plants they are willing to give away, this is an economical way of making your garden larger. Dig deep to keep the root system intact and then split the plant into clumps, ensuring each one has three to five buds. Move these clumps into a place with a lot of sun and soil that drains well. Moving can take place early in the spring before new growth occurs although autumn is perfect for transplants as well.
Growing Peonies in Containers
Peonies can grow in pots, but they will do better if the pot is big. If you buy a peony grown in a pot, you might have to move it to a bigger pot. To make sure it’s safe during frosty days transfer the pot into a sheltered place such as a garage or shed. This way it comes up again in the spring all set for new growth and flowering.
Peony Care
Growing peonies can be difficult depending on where you choose to plant them as well as what time of the year you plant them. Below, read care tips that will ensure proper growth of your peonies.
Light: growing Peonies generally prefer sunny spots though tolerate part shade as well. Typically, they should get 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. That being said, more hours means blooming more and that the size will be bigger.
Soil and Nutrients: Peonies thrive when they are planted in rich soil that has good drainage and continues to receive nutrients.
Water: Peonies should be watered deeply when they are first being planted so that they can stabilize. They should also be watered thoroughly but not often during their growth period to keep the soil moist without saturating it.
Temperature and Humidity
Peonies can grow in zones 3-8. When planting multiple peonies, ensure that each peony is separated few feet from the other for better air circulation that can help to prevent diseases. It is possible for peonies to survive in moist conditions but given that they are too close to each other, this could be a problem.
Common Pests and Diseases ( growing peonies )
Peonies are deer-resistant. This makes them a good idea for deer infested gardens although they can still suffer from diseases such as blights and stem rots. If you suspect disease, make sure you snap detailed photos and advice from your local gardening expert. However, ants on peonies are normal and helpful in guarding the plants by eating other pests.
Peony Varieties
Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)
They typically die back every winter to re-emerge again in the spring in many gardens. Peonies are found in a wide range of bloom styles.
Single: With a few rows of petals showcased by short stamina, these flowers are simpler but more long-lasting.
Semi-Double and Double: Full poms of petals fill doubles, so they look like pom-poms while semi doubles show more rows of petals than a single one hence enable one to see right to their center part therefore making them more visible. Be that as it may, their heavy heads may call for some support through staking.
Japanese: With large outer petals that frame an inner cluster of ribbon-like petals, commonly in multiple colours, these are.
Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa)
Contrary to herbaceous peonies, tree peonies have above ground stems made of wood all year round. In winter, they do not go back to the soil, and take on shape like bushes.
How to Overwinter Peonies
To cut garden peonies back, leave the stalks a few inches above ground level and then scatter over a loose layer of bark dust or pine straw around them. The bark or straw mulch has to go before new shoots appear in spring. If you have peonies in pots move those inside somewhere sheltered while winterizing by covering them up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do peonies take to bloom after planting?
After you plant it, the peony needs time to mature and be able to blossom. Usually, you will see flowers in the second or third year after planting an established tuber or bare-root plant.
Can peonies grow in partial shade?
The peonies prefer full sun for optimal growth and bloom production even though they can germinate under partial shade. For at least 6-8 hours every day, ensure that they have sunlight.
Why are my peonies not blooming?
Peonies not blooming can be result of different things these include:
· Insufficient sunlight
· Planted too deeply
· Over-fertilization
· Young plants not yet mature enough to bloom
· Transplant shock
How often should I water my peonies?
Give the required amount of water to peonies so that you never go wrong on this instead of doing it frequently. To prevent root rotting, make sure that the soil is one that allows good drainage and prevents waterlogging.
Are peonies toxic to pets?
Peonies, which are highly toxic to pets, should be kept out of reach of pets and in case of an ingestion incident involving this plant, patients should seek advice without hesitation.
Can peonies be grown indoors?
The best environment for growing peonies is outdoors, because they require direct sunlight and have specific hibernation demands. But it is possible to start them inside and transplant them later when they will be established.
How do I prevent ants on my peonies?
The flower buds of the peony plant produce a substance that is sweet and which draws ants to them for food, this does not in any way damage the plant though. Indeed, there would be no need to prevent ants from this happening because they assist in preying upon other insects. If you like, rinse them off gently when taking peonies into the house.
By simply following these guidelines and addressing concerns which are frequently encountered by everyone; everyone should be able to make sure their Peonies are healthy all year round and as long as the garden remains in existence, there will always be vibrant beauty therein. Happy gardening!
