Items 1 to 16 of 16 total
Items 1 to 16 of 16 total
Peonies
Uses:
- Borders
- Container Gardens
- Cottage Gardens
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrant Flowers
- Foliage Interest
Sunlight:
- Partial Shade to Full Sun
- At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 2-8
- What is My Zone?
Peonies are classic perennials known for their large, lush blooms with delightful fragrance from late spring to early summer. The plants are perfect in mixed borders, as specimen plants, or in dedicated peony beds, where their impressive flowers can be showcased.
Peony Care
Peonies produce some of the showiest blooms of spring. Their blousy, sweet-smelling flowers range from pink and purple to white or coral. The stunning flowers are unfortunately short lived, and typically last for only 7-10 days. These tuberous plants are best planted in the fall. Even though many garden centers sell peonies in the spring, spring-planted peonies will languish behind their fall-planted counterparts. This is because peonies prefer to put their roots down during the cool weather of fall. The cooler soil temperatures in fall trigger root development, helping the plants establish quickly. By contrast, the warmer soils in spring suppress root growth, so the root system of spring-planted peonies is often inadequate to support growth during the hot and dry conditions of summer. The best time to transplant peonies is also in the fall when peonies produce most of their roots.
To support the best peony display, apply a layer of organic compost around the root zone in early spring, before buds show. You can also sprinkle a slow-release feed at this time, but avoid applying any high-nitrogen products, which can promote excess foliage growth. When the bright burgundy shoots appear in early spring, you can start to water peonies if rainfall is scarce. Well-established peonies are able to survive on spring rains alone.About Peonies
Genus
Paeonia
Species
50+
Family
Paeoniaceae
Common Names:
Peonies
Native To:
Asia, Europe, and Western North America
Plant Type:
Trees
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flower Color:
White, blush, pink, and red
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Spring to summer
Growth Habit:
Semi-spreading
Attracts:
Ants
Tolerates
Cold, Heat and Humidity
Resists:
Diseases
How To Use Peonies In The Garden
Grow peonies for their unrivaled combination of timeless elegance, hardiness, and low-maintenance longevity. These perennial favorites produce lavish, fragrant blooms in late spring to early summer, ranging from delicate singles to bomb-like doubles in shades of white, pink, crimson, and coral. Once established, they thrive for decades with minimal care, often outliving the gardeners who plant them. Their architectural foliage adds structure to gardens even after flowers fade.
They are ideal for bordering walkways or driveways, providing a welcoming display of blooms. After their flowering period, the lush green foliage remains attractive, offering a rich backdrop to other garden plants. Additionally, peony stems can last for over a week in vases and make beautiful floral arrangements.
Peonies Care
Peonies require ample space for air circulation, about 3 to 4 feet apart. They thrive in full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Select a permanent location, as peonies dislike being moved. Water the soil around the plants, keeping foliage dry to prevent powdery mildew. Apply a 10-20-20 fertilizer or a rose-specific product in spring after new growth appears.
Deadhead spent blooms promptly to promote continued flowering. For herbaceous peonies, after the first frost kills the above-ground growth, cut stems back to a few inches above ground level and remove foliage to minimize disease risk. Tree peonies should be pruned in late spring to eliminate dead wood and shape the plant. During winter, protect potted peonies from harsh conditions by placing them in a shed or garage if temperatures drop below 10°F for extended periods, watering sparingly to keep the soil from completely drying out.
Learn More About Peonies
