Peonies (paeonia), are a longtime favourite, found in many local landscapes.

 

This long living perennial requires very little care and is easy to grow and in return, rewards the gardener with a huge display of beautiful flowers in early summer. When not in bloom the plant is still attractive as it has large green leaves. Unlike some perennials that need to be divided every few years, the peony can be left to grow in the same spot for many years.

 

There are hundreds of different varieties of peonies such as the popular double flowering types that resemble large roses. Other varieties have semi-double flowers and single flowers. The flowers come in a nice range of colours starting from white, pink, red and the rare yellow. The flowers can also be fragrant, with some varieties being more fragrant then others.

 

Peonies are grown from a root or tuber, which become available in the garden centres in late March, early April. The tuber can be directly planted into the soil in May. Another option would be to start the tuber indoors by planting it in a container indoors, and then later when it has a good root system, transplanting it outdoors in May. This gives the peony a head start on the season. Peonies are also sold as established plants in the spring/summer, at the garden centre.

 

Plant peonies in a rich, moist, well drained soil, and in a sunny location where it will receive 6-8 hours of direct sun every day. Choose the planting site carefully as a peony prefers to remain in the same spot for 10-15 years. If it has been divided or transplanted, it can take a couple of years for it bloom again.

 

An important thing to remember when planting a peony is the planting depth. It should be planted 2.5-5 cm deep. If it is planted too deep the peony will not bloom and if it is not deep enough there is a chance of winter damage. When planting a peony plant purchased from a garden centre, plant it at the same depth that it is in the pot. I always like to dig the hole and add some good quality outdoor soil to the hole and a handful of bonemeal before placing the peony in the hole. After planting the peony, give it a good water. When they become established they can handle some drought but perform best when watered, during dry weather.

 

Peonies have beautiful flowers that at times can become top heavy, especially the large double ones. They benefit from being staked, which helps prevent the flowers from bending and possibly breaking. There are peony rings available, which are placed in the ground, around the peony plant, in the spring as the peony emerges from the soil.

 

Peonies are generally not bothered by many pests or disease. They can sometimes get a fungal infection called ‘Botrytis blight’ which causes the flower bud to turn black and dry up as well as the stalks. Treat the plant in the spring with a recommended fungicide. Another problem that can happen sometimes is that the flower bud becomes deformed and does not open up. This is caused by a small insect called a thripe that lives inside the bud, and can be eliminated by using an insecticide. This time of year we get calls at the garden centre, from gardeners who notice ants around their peonies. The ants are not a problem. They are enjoying the sugars that surround the peony flower.

 

If you decide to move or divide a peony, do it in the fall, When dividing a peony tuber make sure that each piece had at least 2-3 eyes. After dividing the peony, replant it back into the garden right away at the same depth as before and use a sprinkle of bonemeal in the hole, before planting the tuber.

 

Peonies are in bloom now. Their beautiful large fragrant flowers make beautiful cut flowers too!