Growing Peonies:
 Peony
plants are perennials grown for their huge blooms that appear on
herbaceous plants ( plants that die back
in the winter) in early to mid spring. Blooming time
varies by variety, some being later to flower than others, but in
general peonies are considered spring bloomers. By carefully selecting
varieties with different bloom times it is possible have plants
blooming in the garden for up to 8 weeks. Flower colors range in
a wide assortment including coral, cream, crimson, pink, purple,
red white and bi-colors. Flowers are also come in different forms;
single, double and semi double
Peonies do best when grown in cool climates and need
at least 200 chilling hours to encourage flowering. There are a
few older varieties that can be grown in warmer regions of the south
such as Felix Crouse, Festiva
Maxima, Felix Supreme and Sarah
Bernhardt. If you live in an area with mild winters and want
to grow peonies select a spot that gets northern exposure and do
not mulch the plants, this will help provide the cool temperatures
required for flowering.
Peonies can be planted in either the spring or the
fall but the best time for planting is early to mid fall. When planted
in the spring plants will not flower their first year. Select a
site that gets full sun and is not crowded by other plants that
will compete with the plant for water and nutrients and can also
restrict air circulation. Prepare the soil by loosening and working
in a good amount of compost mixed with a couple of shovel fulls
of peat moss and a handfuls of bone meal. Plant the roots with the
eyes two inches below the soil line. Planting the roots to deeply
can result in poor flowering. Note: if you live in a warm area
and are concerned that the roots will not receive enough chill hours
to flower you can adjust the planting depth to one inch below the
soil line.
Peony plants do not require a heavy feeding routine
and if over fertilized may not bloom. Feed in early spring just
as the plants emerge from the ground with a light dressing of bone
meal and a top dressing of well rotted compost. Do not use manure
as the nitrogen levels will encourage foliage growth and reduce
flowering.
These fantastic perennials are very easy to grow and
care for. Once you get the plants established you will be able to
enjoy their beauty for decades as many peonies will live up to 50
years.
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