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Peony flower planting


How to Plant, Grow & Care for Peony Flowers

Learn how to grow beautiful peony bushes with advice from the pros By Jenny Andrews, Lise Funderburg and Sarah Hutchinson Updated: 2/2/2022

Paeonia lactiflora. Photo by: PaylessImages / 123RF.

Peony plants offer big, fluffy, fragrant flowers in a wide range of colors, forms and sizes. These resilient, long-lived (some to 100 years) perennial bushes have a history of popularity as a garden plant.

On this page: Basics | Planting | Care & Pruning | Pictures | Design Ideas | Weddings & Floral

On this page:

BASICS

Zones:

Zones 2 to 8, depending on variety.

Types:

There are three types of peonies: tree, Itoh (intersectional), and herbaceous (bush). Compare them in detail here: Types of Peonies.

Height/Spread:

Tree peonies can reach 4 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Itoh and herbaceous varieties grow 1 to 3 feet tall and wide.

Sun or shade?

Full sun; but tree peonies prefer light shade in midday heat.

When do peonies bloom?

In most locations, flowers will bloom in April, May or June. Expect tree peonies to bloom first (around Mother’s Day), followed by herbaceous varieties (around Memorial Day) and then the intersectionals. Include all three types in the garden to enjoy blooms for up to seven weeks.

Flower colors:

There are white, pink, red, coral, maroon, and yellow blooming varieties. Many change color as they open, so check them daily to see the differences.

Fragrance:

Many peony flowers are fragrant, some are sweet, some citrusy, and others slightly spicy.

Pests and diseases:

Japanese beetles can be a problem for peony plants. They are also susceptible to botrytis blight and powdery mildew. Good air circulation around your plants can help prevent this. Learn more about issues that can arise in the Missouri Botanical Garden's guide to peony problems.

Do deer eat peonies?

Fortunately, they are deer and rabbit resistant.

HOW TO PLANT PEONIES

If planted well, herbaceous peonies will happily send up new shoots each spring for decades. Photo by: gutaper / 123RF.

When to plant peonies:

Bare root peonies are best planted in the fall (prior to the first frost) and they'll have the best chance of blooming the following spring. Those planted in spring may not bloom for two years or more.

Where to plant peonies:

Peony plants need a location with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day, good drainage, and plenty of room. Picking the right spot is essential for success. Established plants have deep roots that make transplanting difficult or even impossible.

Tip: The experts from the University of Michigan’s Peony Garden at the Nichols Arboretum recommend planting them far away from large trees and shrubs as they do not like to have root competition.

How deep to plant a peony:

The depth at which you plant your peony will depend on the type and your climate.

What type of soil is best for peonies?

Some gardeners have success growing them in their native soil, but most experts recommend that you amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Also, ensure they are in well-draining soil, as they won't do well with soggy roots.

Growing peonies in pots:

While happiest in the garden, peonies can be grown in pots if given the proper attention.

PEONY CARE & PRUNING

Herbaceous and intersectional types should be cut back in the fall. Photo by: photowind / Shutterstock.

Should I prune my peony?

Unlike roses, peony bushes do not require precise pruning to thrive. Often pruning is only necessary in the event of damage or disease.

How often should I water my peony?

They are not overly thirsty plants—in fact, overwatering can lead to problems. Give your peony bush excellent drainage and begin watering in spring if you go more than two weeks without rain. Then, provide weekly, deep watering throughout the dry summer months (one inch at each watering). Continue watering after flowering to ensure vigorous plants the following year. There is no need to water once they have gone dormant.

How do you debud peonies?

If you want large flowers, remove the side-buds that develop near the base of each terminal bud. However, if you want to prolong the blooming season, leave the side-buds alone—they will bloom later than the terminal buds.

Can I divide my peony?

Peonies do not need regular division for successful blooming. However, if you’d like to have more, you can divide your mature plants as a form of propagation. The best time for dividing is in the fall when the plant is nearing dormancy. Peony roots cut into pieces with 3-5 eyes have the best chance of success. Learn more about dividing peonies.

Do peonies require complex staking?

Many should be staked to support heavy blooms, especially if you live in a rainy climate. Herbaceous varieties can be supported with a peony ring, while tree peonies are more suited for the use of bamboo stakes and natural twine. If this sounds like too much hassle, there are many varieties that feature strong stems that don’t require staking.

Should I mulch?

In very cold climates, they may benefit from a loose winter mulching with organic matter such as pine needles or shredded bark. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant. Remove the mulch in early spring to allow new growth at the soil surface. For tree peonies especially, winter protection with burlap and a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch (pulled aside in the spring) is wise in Zone 4 and colder parts of Zone 5.

Why didn't my peony bloom?

Many gardeners have difficulty understanding why their peonies don’t bloom. Here are the most common reasons:

Why are ants on my peonies?

Peony buds secrete a sweet nectar that attracts ants. The ants do not hurt the plant and they aren’t required for the blooms to open. If cutting flowers to take indoors, gently rinse the blossoms in a bucket of water to get rid of the ants.

Why are my peony leaves curling?

When a peony's leaves curl it is a sign of stress. This can be caused by lack of water, a virus, or unusual weather conditions. Many plants recover from leaf curl if the issue is corrected and go on to bloom normally.

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PICTURES

Swipe to view slides

Photo by: Willard & May.

‘Sarah Bernhardt’ - Buy now on Amazon

This late-blooming classic has huge, fragrant flowers. It can grow to three feet tall, is excellent for cutting, and has a reputation for blooming reliably.

Zones 3-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Irina Vertuzaeva / Shutterstock.

‘Coral Charm’ - Buy now on Amazon

The deep coral buds that transition to coral-peach blossoms earned this early-bloomer. A vigorous grower that does well in northern and southern zones.

Zones 3-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Easy to Grow Bulbs.

‘Karl Rosenfield’ - Buy now on Amazon

This old-fashioned hybrid blooms mid-to-late season. Its large 8-inch flowers have a sweet fragrance and can last up to 6 weeks. Wonderful both in the garden and as a cut flower.

Zones 3-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Nikolay Kurzenko / Shutterstock.

‘Festiva Maxima’ - Buy now on Amazon

Deep crimson dappling makes this heirloom truly special. The large flowers have a rich scent. Popular for cutting gardens and borders alike.

Zones 3-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’

Features rose-shaped, semidouble, fragrant flowers with rounded petals, dainty yellow stamens, and cream-colored carpels. Beautiful even as flowers fade to apricot then pale yellow.

Zones 2-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘Red Charm’ - Buy now on Amazon

A classic peony, early and long flowering. ‘Red Charm’ is heat tolerant and has sturdy stems. An ideal choice for the South.

Zones 3-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘Paula Fay’

An oldie but goodie, early blooming, fragrant, floriferous, and sturdy—a good choice for southern gardens.

Zones 2-8

Type: Herbaceous

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘Hephestos’

Named for the god of fire, the tall stems hold blooms well above foliage, but be sure to protect the plant from strong winds.

Zones 4-8

Type: Tree

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘High Noon’ - Buy now on Amazon

The huge yellow flowers are scented sweetly of lemons. Blooms from late spring to early summer and can rebloom in late summer. Foliage turns purplish green-bronze in autumn.

Zones 4-8

Type: Tree

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘Marchioness’

A heavy bloomer, each singleform flower is 6 inches across. Vigorous and graceful, it creates a sturdy 3-foot-tall rounded shrub.

Zones 4-8

Type: Tree

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘Bartzella’ - Buy now on Amazon

Magnificent yellow blossoms, 6 to 9 inches across, have a lemony, spicy fragrance. Plants can produce up to 80 flowers in a season.

Zones 4-8

Type: Itoh

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo

‘First Arrival’

The earliest of the intersectional peonies to bloom. As flowers open they become lighter in color. As plants mature, the flowers become more double.

Zones 4-8

Type: Itoh

LANDSCAPE DESIGN TIPS

WEDDING & FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Peonies are one of the most popular cut flowers. They make an excellent choice for bridal bouquets and centerpieces, as well as everyday arrangements. If you aren’t able to grow your own, the best selection of cut peonies is usually available between April and June. They look great by themselves or when combined with roses, wildflowers, ferns, protea, eucalyptus and more.

If you’re looking to have a peony arrangement delivered to a loved one, check out the selection from The Bouqs Co. that offers farm-fresh flowers nationwide. They also have gorgeous wedding flower packages at reasonable prices.

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Peony and Rose Bouquets
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21 Low-Maintenance Plants

Plant Care & Growing Guide

By

Marie Iannotti

Marie Iannotti

Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/26/21

Reviewed by

Barbara Gillette

Reviewed by Barbara Gillette

Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

In This Article

Peonies are the spring-blooming stars of your garden. They have large, showy blooms, heady aromas, and loads of personality. By some estimates, there are as many as 33 different species within the genus Paeonia, known collectively as peonies. Most are herbaceous perennials, though a few are woody shrubs. Peonies are medium-sized, have tuberous roots that are a combination of thick storage roots and thin roots that are designed to absorb water and nutrients. Careful handling of these roots is critical to planting or transplanting peonies, as well as when you are dividing plants to propagate them.

Slow-growing peonies are categorized in many different ways, such as by flower type or by growth habit. In addition to the familiar garden-variety herbaceous peonies with all their flower variations, there are special types such as fern-leaf peonies (Paeonia tenuifolia), a particularly sensitive and prized species, and tree peonies, which are woody, upright forms. These types have some special planting needs.

Bloom time for peonies varies from late spring to late summer, depending on variety, but all types are best planted in the fall, about six weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the plant time to settle in and establish roots before winter. This is especially true when planting bare root peonies or when transplanting, but even when planting potted peonies, fall planting gives better results than spring planting.

Botanical Name Paeonia officinalis
Common Name Peony
Plant Type Herbaceous perennial, or woody shrub
Sun Exposure Full sun
Soil Type Well-draining
Soil pH 6.5-7.0 
Bloom Time Late spring to late summer
Flower Color White, pink, rose, red, deep purple, and coral
Hardiness Zones 3-9 (depending on variety)
Native Area Asia, Europe, and Western North America
Toxicity Mildly toxic to humans, toxic to pets

15 Beautiful Varieties of Peony

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Peony Care

Peonies are classic garden plants that can thrive for decades with minimal care when planted in soil that meets their needs. One of the longest-lived of all garden plants, peonies are sometimes handed down from generation to generation in families. It is important to do the initial planting correctly because peonies can be temperamental about being moved once they are established.

Give each peony plant enough space to grow to maturity without being crowded. That means a 3- to 4-foot diameter for each plant. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds. The large heavy blooms of this plant can cause the stems to flop over during heavy rain and inclement weather. Your peonies will benefit from some type of support staking. Plant them well away from other trees and shrubs, since they don't like to compete for nutrients and water.

Peonies like a good chill in the winter. In order to set their flower buds, peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2-to 3-inches deep. It may feel odd to leave roots so exposed, but peonies actually need this chilling to attain dormancy and set buds.

Light

Peonies need a location that receives at least 6-hours of sun each day and a full day of sun is even better. Without sufficient sunlight, you’ll get fewer blooms and smaller flowers, and the plants will have a greater risk of fungal diseases.

Soil

Peonies are very adaptable, but ideally, they like a well-drained, slightly acidic soil (6.5-7.0 pH). If you are planting in heavy, clay soil, amending with compost or a soil mix labeled for azaleas and rhododendrons will make it easier for your peony plant to settle in. Since peonies can remain in the same spot for upwards of 70 years, taking the time to prepare the soil before planting is time well spent.

Tree peonies like a slightly more alkaline soil than standard herbaceous peonies, and they do not want to compete with other shrubs.

Water

Peonies need moist, well-drained soil to thrive. Ideally, they should receive 1 to 2 inches of water weekly. They can thrive in relatively wet areas but are not drought-resistant. Mulch your peonies to help them retain water and lessen the likelihood of weeds.

Temperature and Humidity

Peonies prefer cooler areas (hardiness zones 3-8) and do best when they experience cold winters.

Fertilizer

Feed lightly. An annual application of compost mixed with a very small amount of fertilizer around the base of the plant is all that is needed. When you do feed with compost and fertilizer, do it just after the plants have finished blooming.

Don’t smother peonies with mulch in winter. In the first winter season, you can mulch loosely with pine needles or shredded bark, but mulch should be promptly removed in spring.

Tree peonies need iron and phosphate and do well with an annual feeding of sulfate and bone meal in spring. Unlike herbaceous peonies, they need regular feeding with a 5-10-5 fertilizer.

Peony Varieties

Pruning

Peonies require little pruning. Once yours has finished blooming, cut back dead stems and branches. If a stem appears diseased, cut back before the affected part. If two branches rub against each other, remove the least desirable branch. When pruning peonies, always cut back to right above the first bud.

Propagating Peonies

Peonies are best propagated by lifting and dividing the root clump, then immediately replanting the divided pieces. A peony may require this after about 10 years when it begins to lose its vigor and becomes root-bound. Here, too, fall is the best time for this activity. Just before you plan to divide, cut the foliage of the peony back down to ground level.

Dig up the entire plant and remove as much soil as possible by soaking with a hose. Using your hands, manipulate the roots into dividable portions, each with 3-5 "eyes"—small reddish buds that resemble potato eyes—then use a sharp knife to cut the tuberous root-clump into divisions.

Cut away all the tiny roots on each division, leaving only the large, fleshy roots. Replant the divisions as soon as possible, following the instructions above.

Potting and Repotting Peonies

Peonies are typically purchased as potted plants in 1/2- or 1-gallon containers at the nursery or as bare roots, often packaged with peat moss or wood shavings in plastic bags. The peonies offered at plant society sales or plant swaps are very often the tuberous bare root varieties.

When choosing potted peonies, look for healthy specimens without leaf spots or weak-looking stems. When planting from bare tuberous roots, make sure the root clump has at least three to five eyes. These eyes will eventually elongate and become the plant's stems. A mature peony should be at least three to four years old before it is divided into bare roots. Tuberous clumps with only one or two eyes may still grow, but they will take longer to become established blooming plants.

If an established peony needs to be moved, transplanting should be done carefully to avoid disturbing the roots any more than necessary. These plants can thrive in the same spot for decades, but moving one hastily can bring about its demise. As with any planting, fall is the best time to move a peony.

At the new planting site, till up the soil 12-18 inches deep, and mix in a 4-inch layer of compost or peat moss. Water with 1-inch of water a day or two before transplanting. Your peony must be well hydrated before moving it.

Dig around the root ball of the peony using a sharp spade, getting as much soil as possible. Slide a tarp under the root ball to keep it intact, then lift the plant from the ground and carefully carry or slide it to the new location.

At the new location, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the peony's root ball, and exactly as deep as the root ball. Plant the peony at exactly the same depth as it was in its old location. Backfill around the plant. Tamp the soil down with your hands, but do not pack it too tightly. Water thoroughly. Add a 3-inch layer of compost or mulch around the base of the plant. This will keep the roots moist and cool while the plant is establishing in its new location.

Common Pests/Diseases

Peonies are especially prone to gray mold (botrytis). To combat, make sure peonies are not planted too closely to each other, making sure air circulates between plants. Using copper soap fungicides can help as well.

Gardeners often find peony blossoms covered with ants which are attracted to nectar secreted by the highly fragrant flowers. The ants do not harm the plant and in fact can act as a deterrent to other floral feeding insects that might carry disease or otherwise cause damage. The ants are likely an unwelcome addition to your cut flower bouquet. Simply give your cut peonies a gentle shake before bringing them indoors for decoration.

Erhard Nerger / Getty Images Tadao Yamamoto / Aflo / Getty Images

How to Transplant Peonies

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Growing Peonies. University of Vermont Extension

  2. https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/5/antsOnPeonies/

Planting peonies in autumn - terms and rules

Luxurious peony bushes give in the spring large fragrant flowers of bright and pastel colors. In one place, a bush can grow for many years, but there comes a time when the grower decides to propagate his favorite variety of peonies, it is very important to do the work correctly so that the separated parts of the plant can quickly adapt and start growing. Gardeners practice planting peonies in open ground in spring and autumn, but it is preferable to time these works for autumn. This article is all about how to transplant herbaceous and tree peonies in the fall.

Why it is better to plant peonies in autumn

Planting peonies in the open ground in autumn has several weighty advantages that flower growers are guided by when planning work for this particular period.

  1. When planted in September-October, the plant has time to take root in a new place, get stronger before the cold weather and go into the winter prepared and strong.
  2. Autumn time contributes to the rapid development of numerous adventitious roots, which helps the plant to better establish itself in the ground.
  3. Properly done planting in the fall encourages young plants to bloom in the spring, while spring planting cannot guarantee flowering in the current season.
  4. Good rooting of peonies from autumn onwards makes plants more resistant to summer heat and drought, which can affect them as early as next season.
  5. By August, the above-ground part of the plants is immersed in a state of dormancy, and the replacement buds are already well formed.
  6. The time of heat has already passed, thanks to the precipitation, constant moisture is maintained in the soil.

Terms of planting peonies in autumn

When deciding to plant peony bushes in the open ground in autumn, it is necessary to clearly determine the timing of planting plants, guided by several important criteria:

  1. Weather conditions of the region.
  2. The onset of frosts at certain times.

Important! Planting work should be completed 25-35 days before the onset of frost.

In each region, frosts occur at different times, so it is not possible to name the exact time of planting peonies in the open ground in autumn. We would like to note one more nuance - they begin to prepare the landing hole in advance at the end of summer, and the transplant is carried out in the fall.

Choosing a site for planting peonies

In order for peonies to grow and develop well after transplantation, to delight every year with violent flowering, it is worth choosing the right place for growing the crop.

What we pay attention to when choosing a suitable site for growing peonies:

Lighting

Peonies should be planted in a site with good sunlight, in the shade the plant stretches, the color of the flowers fades, and the flowers themselves become smaller. It is allowed to grow peonies in flowerbeds with slight shading for several hours a day.

Soil composition

Herbaceous peonies prefer to grow in the garden on slightly alkaline or neutral soil (pH 6 to 6.5). Nutrient-rich loams are ideal for growing peonies.

Wind protection

The crop is very sensitive to drafts - peonies should be planted in calm areas of the garden or protected from gusts of wind.

Height of the groundwater level in the plot

High groundwater level can lead to wetting of the root part of adult peonies and deletions, therefore, when choosing a planting site, it is necessary to choose a high area with a low groundwater level.

Bad predecessors

Predecessors are not often mentioned, but they are one of the important aspects of the successful growth of peonies in the garden. It is not recommended to plant new varieties in place of old plants, at least 2 years must pass after the bushes have been transplanted from this site. Proper planting of peonies in autumn should take into account that the culture grows poorly and develops after large perennials, uprooted trees and shrubs, which have depleted the soil for a long time.

Optimal distance from tall trees and garden buildings

Grassy peonies are not recommended to be planted close to the walls of tall buildings, because in summer the heated surfaces give off heat intensively, which negatively affects the development of the peony bush. The minimum distance from the walls of houses is 2 m.

Tall trees often shade plantings of peonies, so you should pay attention to this factor when planting and dividing bushes.

Seat preparation

When a suitable site for transplanting peonies is determined, they begin to prepare planting sites for plants, while it is worth planning the frequency of holes right away - one per 2 m2. With such a planting, maturing peony bushes will have enough nutrients for many years.

Important! If the peony is planted in the fall in accordance with all the rules, flower buds will appear in the spring 2 weeks ahead of schedule.

It is recommended to prepare planting pits for peonies when planting in autumn 1.5 -2 months before the start of work. During this time, the soil should be saturated with useful substances, compacted and settled.

For planting hybrid plants for a long time without planning for quick transplants, prepare holes with dimensions:

  1. Depth - from 60 to 70 cm.
  2. Width - 80 to 100 cm.

For ordinary peonies, when planting for 2-3 years, a hole measuring 45x45x40 cm is enough. This is how bushes are planted, for which a permanent place has not yet been selected.

A considerable distance should be left between plants (at least 90 cm), up to 2 m2 of garden space should be allocated for each bush. With such a planting, the plant will be able to freely form a powerful root system, between individual bushes there will be free space necessary for air circulation.

Important! Free planting of peony bushes prevents the development of fungal and other infectious diseases.

The planting depth of peonies in autumn should not exceed the soil level by 2o-30 mm. Plants that are too deeply buried develop poorly, which negatively affects growth and annual flowering. The high location of the bush in the planting hole can cause freezing of the root system and death of the kidneys.

Important! If a high level of soil water is observed over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site, the plants are planted on ridges so that the distance from the surface of the poured layer to groundwater is at least 0.7 m. In this case, the depth of the pit should not exceed 40-45 cm, and its sides may be up to 80 cm.

Planting and caring for peonies in autumn

Many gardeners debate whether a layer of drainage is needed when planting peonies outdoors. This is a purely individual feature, which depends on the soil on the site. If the bottom of the pit is lined with a layer of plastic clay, there will be no sense in drainage, because the clay castle will prevent water from seeping down. With sandy soil, water without drainage will quickly go deep into the soil, and the roots will lack moisture.

Local drainage is not able to qualitatively protect the roots of peonies from excessive moisture, to solve the problem, you will have to dig drainage trenches or find another way to lower the groundwater level in the area.

To fill the pit, a nutrient soil is prepared, taking good garden soil as a basis, to which is added:

  1. Well-rotted, completely decomposed manure or compost aged 2-3 years - up to 25% of the planting pit volume.
  2. Double Superphosphate - up to 2 cups per well.
  3. Wood ash - at least 1 to 2 cups.
  4. Bone or dolomite meal - 1 to 2 cups.

The pit is filled to 2/3 of the height with this mixture, the layer is compacted and a thin layer of quartz sand is made on top of it.

To cover the roots, a light soil mixture is prepared with the addition of a small amount of ash and dolomite flour.

In September, peonies are planted, arranging the rhizomes so that the renewal buds are not deeper than 3-5 cm, and do not protrude more than 2-3 cm above the soil surface.

Important! If, after watering, the soil in the pits settles significantly, the soil is topped up, and it is also useful to mulch the surface with peat or leaves to preserve moisture.

Planting tree peonies in autumn

Tree peonies are the most beautiful perennial shrubs with charming showy flowers that can grow in one place up to 80 years or more, so the place for planting them should be chosen very carefully. The requirements for choosing a place are almost identical to the rules for planting grassy peonies, but for tree peonies, places with shading from the sun for several hours a day are more suitable. Planting time is usually in September.

Other requirements:

  1. The diameter of the planting pit is at least 50 cm. The pit is prepared and the lower part is covered with soil 2-3 weeks before planting.
  2. Distance between plants - from 100 cm.
  3. Soil - made up of garden soil, peat, compost, humus and sand. All ingredients should be taken for 1 hour. Bone meal and superphosphate can be added to the prepared mixture. The ideal level of acidity is 7.5-8 pH.
  4. Deepening of the root collar - no more than 5 cm.
  5. Watering - immediately after planting, at least 10 liters of water should be used per plant.

Published: 08 Jul 2019

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open the season of summer lush flowering.

They bloom at the end of May and delight the eye until the end of June.

Peony is called the royal flower for a reason. He is so good that next to him all other flowers fade, except perhaps roses. Although densely double pink peonies can outshine her in their beauty and richness of shades.

In most regions of Russia, mainly herbaceous peonies are grown, giving preference to their large-flowered densely double and Japanese varieties.

In this article we will tell you how to properly plant peonies, how to care for them and tell you which varieties are best to give preference to.

HISTORY OF THE APPEARANCE OF PIONS

It is known from ancient chronicles that peonies were grown in Babylon and Ancient Egypt at the beginning of the new era.

In China, he was deified and worshiped as a sacred flower. And he grew up only in the imperial gardens, for which he received his second name "imperial flower".

In the middle of the 13th century, it was brought to Japan, where only the most noble people of the country were allowed to plant a peony. Here, he was also considered a magical flower that protects against witchcraft and incurable diseases.

It was in Japan that the amazing healing properties of the peony were scientifically substantiated, allowing it to be used not only as an ornament of a flowering garden, but also as a valuable medicinal plant. Although peony roots have long been used in folk medicine in ancient Greece.

By the way, in Greece the peony is still considered a symbol of wealth, success and longevity.

The peony was brought to Russia by order of Peter I. It is interesting that the tsar was interested in the healing properties of the plant. But, when he saw him during flowering, Peter ordered to build a huge flower garden of peonies alone near the royal palace in order to admire their unearthly beauty every summer.

Since the middle of the 16th century, breeders from England, France, Holland and other European countries have been breeding terry peony varieties, creating many simply amazing varieties. In Japan and China, scientists have taken a different path. Here preference was given to flowers with one or two rows of petals, but with a huge center consisting of narrow staminodes (modified petals).

Domestic breeders were also successful in breeding peonies. The varieties created by them can compete with the best representatives of the European and Japanese groups. This work continues to this day.

CORRECT PEONY PLANTING IS THE KEY TO THEIR BEAUTY AND LONGEVITY

The aerial part of herbaceous peonies dies off in autumn, and grows back next year. Therefore, when planting peonies, special attention should be paid to the root system.

There are, as it were, two waves of its growth.

The first one starts in the spring at the beginning of May. At this time, adventitious roots and thin sucking roots are actively growing. Then they thicken and thicken. It is in them that the nutrients necessary for the growth of the bush next spring are deposited.

The second wave of growth occurs at the end of August. At this time, many new suction roots are formed.

This physiological feature determines the timing of planting peonies.

In order for them to take root well, the plants must be planted (and replanted) before the mass growth of the suction roots, so as not to damage them during digging. Plants with a closed root system can be planted at any time.

The choice of planting site is of great importance for the normal growth and development of peonies. These plants are very photophilous, afraid of drafts and cold winds. Therefore, they should be planted in a sunny, well-protected place from the wind.

Planted in the shade, peonies will grow and bloom poorly. Some varieties may not form buds at all.

Peony soils need very fertile, rich in organic matter, loose with a neutral reaction (pH 6.8 - 7.0). Acidic - these plants are generally contraindicated. They will simply die on them. Plants planted in areas with a close occurrence of groundwater or in flooded lowlands will also look strongly oppressed.

Since the peony's root system is very powerful (the roots can go a meter or more deep), it needs loose soil in the root zone. Therefore, planting pits are dug with a diameter of 60 and a depth of 65 cm. The distance between plants is 80 cm. sand and compost or rotted manure in a ratio of 1:1:2.

Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and wood ash must be added to each pit.

When planting, the growth buds located underground at the base of the stem are buried no more than 4 cm, otherwise the bushes can grow powerfully, but not bloom at all. Peonies are well watered (2 watering cans for each), and then mulched with humus or leafy soil.

PEONY CARE

Planting peonies is not the most important thing. If the plants are not properly cared for, they can grow and develop poorly.

Peonies, like most perennials, are very fond of water, so they should be watered regularly, soaking the ground to the thickness of the root layer (4 watering cans for each plant). But water should never stand around the bushes, otherwise the roots will begin to rot. We have already written about this in the articles How to Grow Astilbes and How to Grow Dahlias.

In the first year after planting peonies, it is better to cut off the buds so as not to weaken the bushes. Then in subsequent years they will grow more powerfully.

Peonies will begin to bloom in full force only in the third year after planting.

Fertilizers are of great importance for peonies. In the first two years, they are limited to only two top dressings, since the fertilizers obtained during planting will be enough for the plants.

At the end of April, after the snow melts, the peonies are fed with a solution of urea (20 g per 10 liters of water). The second - with a solution of slurry - is carried out at the end of June.

Starting from the third year, half a bucket of rotted manure is applied under each bush in spring, and in autumn the plants are fertilized with a ready-made mineral complex for autumn feeding of perennial flowers.

Peonies can grow in one place for more than 60 years. However, over the years, the flowers become less. Plus, they shrink. Therefore, every 12 years in mid-August, the bushes are divided and planted. At least 4 growth buds are left on each division.

At the end of September, the entire above-ground part of the peonies is cut off, and the roots are mulched with fallen leaves or spruce branches with a layer of 20 cm. After 7 years, the plants are no longer covered. Peony roots are not afraid of severe frosts and tolerate winter well.

IF YOU PLANT PIONIES THEN THE BEST

We have managed to collect an excellent collection of the best varieties of herbaceous peonies. We offer them to you.

Terry. Adolphe Rousseau, Barzella, Gilbert Bartelo, Mother's Favorite, Striped Lollipop, Sarah Bernhardt, Nancy Nora, Bunker Hill, Beauty Cup, Sherbet, Peter Brand.

Japanese. Japanese moon, Mrs. Hemerick.

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