Flower Of The Month ~ Peony
Peonies are beautiful flowering plants that are popular in gardens due to their large, showy blooms and fragrant flowers
Vase Life - 7-10 days
Favorite Varieties
The double, ruffly, petal-filled ones. I don't have any names in particular because I am not familiar with many of them. I do know I love the big fluffy ones, hands down over the singles.
In the Garden
Choosing the right location: Peonies thrive in full sun to light shade. Select a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Planting depth: Peonies should be planted with the "eyes" (small reddish buds) just below the soil surface, about 1-2 inches deep. Planting them too deep can inhibit blooming.
Spacing: Give each peony plant enough space to grow and spread. Space them about 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Watering: Provide regular watering during the first year after planting to help the roots establish. After that, peonies are generally drought-tolerant and only require watering during dry periods.
When to plant:
Planting time: Peonies are typically planted in the fall, but you can also plant them in early spring. If planting in the fall, do so at least 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes to allow the roots to establish.
Winter Care:
Clean up all the brown foliage and throw away to help keep down the spread of disease
Mulch, but not right up to the stems. Clearing away the mulch in the spring.
In the Vase:
Choose the right time:
Cut peonies when they are in the bud stage, just before they fully open. This will give them more time to bloom fully in the vase.
It is often called the marshmallow stage, when the bud is soft like a marshmallow.
Caring for Peonies After they finish flowering
deadhead the blooms
keep watering and caring for your peony all summer.
Watch for powdery mildew and other fungus. They may need to be treated.
