How to Grow and Care for Peonies (1)

Peonies are one of the most beloved flowering plants, known for their lush blooms and pleasant fragrance. Growing and caring for peonies requires some patience and the right environment, but with the proper knowledge, you can enjoy their beauty for years to come. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow and care for peonies.

Choosing the Right Location

Peonies thrive in full sunlight, so it’s important to plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. They also prefer well-drained soil, as they don’t tolerate waterlogged roots. Ideally, the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. If the soil is heavy and clayey, amend it with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage.

Peonies are also best planted in areas with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, and they should be protected from strong winds, which can damage their large, delicate flowers.

Planting Peonies

Peonies can be planted in the fall or early spring, though fall is generally the best time, as it allows the plants to establish strong root systems before the growing season. When planting, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole about 18 to 24 inches deep and wide. If you’re planting more than one, space them at least 3 feet apart. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to allow for good root expansion.

2. Add Organic Matter: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil at the bottom of the hole. This will provide essential nutrients and help improve drainage.

3. Plant the Peony: Peonies are typically planted from bare root divisions, which should be handled carefully. Place the peony’s roots in the hole with the eyes (buds) facing upward. The eyes should be no deeper than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. If they’re planted too deeply, they may not bloom.

4. Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil.

Watering and Fertilizing

Peonies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to watering and fertilizing, but providing them with proper care can lead to better blooms.

• Watering: Peonies require consistent watering, especially during their growing season. However, they don’t like soggy soil, so ensure the ground drains well. During dry spells, water the plants deeply to encourage deep root growth.

• Fertilizing: Fertilize your peonies in early spring, just as they begin to grow. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one specifically formulated for flowering plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Mulching

Mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist, prevents weeds, and provides nutrients as it breaks down. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, around the base of your peony plants. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the plant’s crown to prevent rot.

Supporting Peonies

Peonies can grow quite large, with heavy flowers that may cause the stems to bend or break. Providing support is essential, especially for larger varieties. You can use plant supports or peony cages to keep the plants upright. These should be installed early in the growing season, before the stems become too tall.

For taller peonies, you can also use stakes to support individual stems. Place the stakes carefully to avoid damaging the roots, and tie the stems loosely with garden twine to the stakes.

Pruning Peonies

Pruning helps keep your peony plants healthy and encourages better blooming in the future. Here’s how to properly prune them:

• After Blooming: Once the blooms fade in late spring or early summer, remove the spent flowers to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. However, do not cut back the foliage yet, as the leaves are still essential for photosynthesis and will help the plant store energy for the following season.

• End of the Season: In late fall, after the plant has died back, cut the stems to the ground. Be sure to remove any dead foliage and debris to prevent diseases, but leave the roots intact.

Dividing and Transplanting Peonies

Peonies can live for decades in one location, but over time, they may become crowded, leading to fewer blooms. If you need to divide or transplant peonies, the best time to do so is in the fall. Here’s how to divide and transplant peonies:

1. Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig around the plant to lift it out of the soil. Peony roots are large, so take care not to damage them.

2. Divide the Root Mass: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to divide the root mass into smaller sections. Each division should have at least three to five buds (eyes) for the plant to grow successfully.

3. Replant Immediately: Replant the divisions in the same manner as the original planting, ensuring the eyes are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Water the divisions thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Peonies are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by certain issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent it, ensure proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation. If you spot powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.

• Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots or rot on the flowers and leaves. It thrives in wet conditions, so avoid overhead watering and ensure good drainage. Remove and discard infected plant parts.

• Peony Buds Not Opening: Sometimes peony buds fail to open due to poor soil drainage or too much shade. Ensure the plant is in a sunny location with well-draining soil.

• Ants: Ants are often seen on peony buds, attracted by the sweet nectar. While they aren’t harmful to the plant, they can hinder the opening of the buds. Gently shake the ants off or use a gentle spray of water to remove them.

Winter Care for Peonies

Peonies are cold-hardy and can withstand winter temperatures, but they still benefit from a little protection. After the first frost, you can mulch heavily around the base of the plant to insulate the roots. However, avoid piling mulch directly onto the crown of the plant. In colder climates, you may also want to cut the stems back to the ground in late fall.

Conclusion

Peonies are a rewarding and relatively easy plant to grow when you provide them with the right conditions. With proper care—plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional pruning—you’ll enjoy their spectacular blooms year after year. Whether you’re planting peonies for the first time or caring for established plants, these steps will help ensure their health and vibrancy throughout the seasons.