by Vikki McMahon

Created on: February 27, 2009

A garden is not complete without the addition of peonies, a perennial favorite that blooms in late spring and early summer. Peonies come in a multitude of colors including white and shades of pink, rose, and red. Its glossy, dark green foliage looks fresh long after the blooming period is over for the season. Unrivaled for their large, fragrant blooms and carefree growth and maintenance, peonies add a touch of elegance to most landscape designs.

There are two types of peonies: Paeonia hybrids, which are the typical, herbaceous garden peonies and Paeonia suffruticosa, which is the tree peony. Both require similar conditions and care, although the tree peony can tolerate partial shade, deeper planting, and more alkaline soil than the garden variety.

Planting

Peonies require a sunny, well drained area to thrive. They do not tolerate any standing water, but may tolerate partial shade if the climate is particularly hot. It is best to plant in the early fall, around September or October. Although some young container plants may be planted in the spring, expect to wait a few seasons for those to become established. Space plants approximately three feet apart. Place root into planting hole with the eyes (small, red buds near the top of the root) one to two inches below the surface. If the buds are too deep or too close to the surface, it will not flower.

Care

Peonies are popular in the garden because they are so easy to care for and require little maintenance. But there are a few tips that will allow these beauties to be shown to their best advantage.

*Any tall, double hybrids need to be staked. Wire hoops can be used for shorter plants. Taller plants will need four bamboo stakes around the perimeter, interwoven with garden twine to provide support.

*Natural fertilizers with plenty of organic material should be used to feed the plants. Instead of dumping the fertilizer close to the plant, place it in a ring around the bottom. If the plant is thriving, no further fertilization is required.

*It is not recommended to transplant peonies once they are established.

*Peonies almost never need to be divided. As long as the plants are flowering normally, leave them be.

*For off-season care, cut down foliage to ground level in the fall and add a layer of winter mulch. A thorough cleanup will do much to prevent the onset of disease.

Landscape Uses

Peonies are a versatile addition to any landscape. They are elegant in perennial borders or as edging along drives and stone walls. Bring the beauty of peonies indoors by designating a few plants to be used to cut flowers. Place them all over your home for a fresh burst of summer.

Whether you are a novice gardener or seasoned professional, peonies are the perfect choice for a beautiful, maintenance-free garden. By adhering to these simple tips, peonies will continue to be one of the stars of your garden for many years to come.

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