Peonies – How to Succeed with Herbaceous Peonies
The peony is an ancient garden plant that was cultivated in China over 1,000 years ago. It has unjustly gained a reputation for being difficult to grow, which we believe is entirely incorrect. True, it may grow slowly, but in return, it can live for a very long time, and it’s not uncommon to see peonies blooming for many years in abandoned gardens. Peonies are hardy plants, rarely affected by pests or diseases. Even deer don’t seem to prefer them on their menu.
Location
Peonies can tolerate anything from full sun to dappled shade. In the shade, the flowering lasts longer, but keep in mind that a few hours of sunlight per day are necessary. Avoid planting peonies in the same location where they have previously grown. If you must use the same spot, mix the existing soil with compost or new soil at a ratio of 1:1.
Soil
Peonies thrive best in rich, slightly heavier, clayey, deep, and well-drained soil. Loosen the existing soil and improve it by mixing in, for example, rose soil, bark mulch, or well-decomposed compost.
Planting
Dig proper planting beds, about 50 cm deep and equally wide. Plant shallowly. The small buds, or growth points, should be 3–5 cm below the soil surface. If planted deeper, the plant will not bloom. Water thoroughly and avoid fertilizing during planting. A suitable planting distance for peonies growing in groups is 80–100 cm. If planted among perennials, the distance should be 100–150 cm.
Fertilizing
In spring and immediately after flowering, you can add bone meal, a thin layer of well-decomposed cow manure, or wood ash. This provides the plant with nutrients for the following year. Wood ash is sprinkled on the soil, while bone meal and cow manure are gently worked into the surface around the plant—carefully, so as not to damage the shallow root system. Note: Avoid using too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer on your peonies.
Autumn & Winter Care
Do not cut back peonies in the autumn. Allow the foliage to form a natural winter cover as it dies back. If the leaves are affected by disease, they should be removed.
Dividing & Transplanting
It's often said that peonies are sensitive to being moved and transplanted. This is not true, although blooming may be delayed afterward. The best time for transplanting is early autumn. Dig up the root ball and divide it if necessary. Make sure each part has "eyes," or buds. Allow the cut surfaces to dry slightly before replanting in a new location. Improve the soil and plant as described above.
Why Don’t Peonies Bloom?
One reason why older peonies may not bloom is that over time, they may have been planted too deeply. Over the years, soil in flower beds can settle, and the addition of compost and fertilizer can cause the plant to end up too deep in the ground to bloom. This can be remedied by digging up and replanting the peony. Also, remember to water during dry springs and early summers.
Companion Plants
Peonies pair well with many different types of plants, including roses, bulbs, and perennials. Meadow rue, masterwort, columbine, salvia, iris, burnet, knautia, calamint, mallow, campanula, coral bells, and geraniums are just a few examples.
Good luck!
The peony is an ancient garden plant that was cultivated in China over 1,000 years ago. It has unjustly gained a reputation for being difficult to grow, which we believe is entirely incorrect. True, it may grow slowly, but in return, it can live for a very long time, and it’s not uncommon to see peonies blooming for many years in abandoned gardens. Peonies are hardy plants, rarely affected by pests or diseases. Even deer don’t seem to prefer them on their menu.
Location
Peonies can tolerate anything from full sun to dappled shade. In the shade, the flowering lasts longer, but keep in mind that a few hours of sunlight per day are necessary. Avoid planting peonies in the same location where they have previously grown. If you must use the same spot, mix the existing soil with compost or new soil at a ratio of 1:1.
Soil
Peonies thrive best in rich, slightly heavier, clayey, deep, and well-drained soil. Loosen the existing soil and improve it by mixing in, for example, rose soil, bark mulch, or well-decomposed compost.
Planting
Dig proper planting beds, about 50 cm deep and equally wide. Plant shallowly. The small buds, or growth points, should be 3–5 cm below the soil surface. If planted deeper, the plant will not bloom. Water thoroughly and avoid fertilizing during planting. A suitable planting distance for peonies growing in groups is 80–100 cm. If planted among perennials, the distance should be 100–150 cm.
Fertilizing
In spring and immediately after flowering, you can add bone meal, a thin layer of well-decomposed cow manure, or wood ash. This provides the plant with nutrients for the following year. Wood ash is sprinkled on the soil, while bone meal and cow manure are gently worked into the surface around the plant—carefully, so as not to damage the shallow root system. Note: Avoid using too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer on your peonies.
Autumn & Winter Care
Do not cut back peonies in the autumn. Allow the foliage to form a natural winter cover as it dies back. If the leaves are affected by disease, they should be removed.
Dividing & Transplanting
It's often said that peonies are sensitive to being moved and transplanted. This is not true, although blooming may be delayed afterward. The best time for transplanting is early autumn. Dig up the root ball and divide it if necessary. Make sure each part has "eyes," or buds. Allow the cut surfaces to dry slightly before replanting in a new location. Improve the soil and plant as described above.
Why Don’t Peonies Bloom?
One reason why older peonies may not bloom is that over time, they may have been planted too deeply. Over the years, soil in flower beds can settle, and the addition of compost and fertilizer can cause the plant to end up too deep in the ground to bloom. This can be remedied by digging up and replanting the peony. Also, remember to water during dry springs and early summers.
Companion Plants
Peonies pair well with many different types of plants, including roses, bulbs, and perennials. Meadow rue, masterwort, columbine, salvia, iris, burnet, knautia, calamint, mallow, campanula, coral bells, and geraniums are just a few examples.
Good luck!