Growing Peonies: A Guide to These Garden Treasures

The Long-Lived Peony

Peonies are among the most long-lived garden perennials, with some plants thriving for 50 years or more. Their spectacular blooms and intoxicating fragrance make them worth the initial patience required for establishment.

Types of Peonies

• Herbaceous: Die back to ground in winter, most common type
• Tree peonies: Woody stems that remain year-round, larger flowers
• Intersectional (Itoh): Hybrid of both, best of both worlds

Planting Correctly

Proper planting depth is crucial for blooming:

1. Choose a sunny location with good air circulation
2. Dig a hole 2 feet wide and deep
3. Amend heavy soil with compost
4. Position the "eyes" (pink buds) no more than 2 inches below soil surface
5. Planting too deep is the #1 reason peonies don't bloom

Seasonal Care

• Spring: Apply balanced fertilizer as shoots emerge
• Early summer: Stake large-flowered varieties before blooms open
• After blooming: Remove spent flowers but leave foliage
• Fall: Cut back herbaceous peonies after frost

Supporting Heavy Blooms

Many peony varieties need support to prevent flopping:

• Install peony rings or grow-through supports early in spring
• Position supports before growth reaches them
• Single and Japanese types need less support than doubles

Why Peonies Don't Bloom

• Planted too deeply
• Too much shade
• Recently divided or transplanted (patience needed)
• Late freeze damaged buds
• Over-fertilizing with high nitrogen