Peonies, A Near Perfect Perennial

By Jos Van Hage

A perennial that can be seen blooming now in local landscapes is the peony (Paeonia). A favorite among gardeners because of its easy care, low maintenance and hardiness the peony has beautiful large flowers and nice looking foliage. Flowers are single or double and come in shades of cream, white, pink and red.

There are hundreds of different varieties of peonies to choose from and these have been divided into categories. The most common and largest group is the ‘Lactiflora Hybrids’ which includes the ‘Single’, ‘Japanese’, ‘Semi-double’, and ‘Doubles’. Flowers differ in size, fragrance and bloom time. Not as common but very pretty is the ‘Tenuifolia’ or Fernleaf peony. It has a fine fernlike leaf and blooms very early in the season. Flowers are either single or double and rest on top of the leaves. Unlike the ‘Lactiflora’ types the Tenuifolia’s foliage does not remain throughout the season but rather yellows and dies off over the summer once the plant has finished blooming much like a bulb. A third type of peony available here is the tree type peony that grows well in pots and must be brought indoors during the winter as they are not winter hardy for our area.

When planting peonies choose a site that has well drained soil rich in nutrient, soil type in not important. Choose an open area where there is good air ventilation which will reduce the incidence of disease. Plants prefer full sun, however, will tolerate some shade. When planting a peony plant it for the long term. Peonies once established do not like to be moved and if moved may take a couple of years before it re-blooms as it re-establishes itself. Once planted a peony can stay in the same spot for 10-15 years.

Peonies are available either as a tuber in early spring or later in the season as a planted plant. When planting the tuber the depth as which it is planted is important. If it is planted to deep it will not bloom. Plant the crown of the of the tuber 1-2 inches deep and use bone meal in the bottom of the hole to help the plant grow. For strong healthy plants fertilize them every spring with a perennial fertilizer 8-12-14.

After the plant has been planted and is growing it does not require much care and is rarely bothered by pests or disease. Botrytis blight can affect the plant causing the flower bud to turn black and dry up and the stems to wilt and blacken. If this occurs the plant should be treated with a fungicide ‘Benomyl’ which is applied in early spring when the new growth is 2-4 inches tall. It is a good idea to stake plants in early spring as flowers can become very heavy causing the stems to fall. There are peony rings that are specifically designed for this purpose.

Peonies are beautiful either in the garden or as a cut flower lasting up to 2 weeks in the home.

Jos

Jos Van Hage is the Owner of three Art Knapps Garden Centres in Prince George
Hart Highway
College Heights (Highway 16  West)
Highway 97 South 

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