How to Care For Peonies

Peonies are a beautiful flower that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are often used as decorations for weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions. Peonies are native to Asia but can be found around the world today. They usually bloom in early summer and their full, lush blooms last for several weeks. Peonies are known for their strong, sweet fragrance and make a great addition to any garden.

When are Peonies in season? When do Peonies bloom?

The exact bloom time can vary based on the type of peony, the location, and the weather conditions. Generally, peonies start blooming from late April to early May and will last until late May to early June. If you’re in the California central valley (like us), you’ll see blooms starting in late March through April.

Where and when to plant Peonies

It’s important to find the right spot based on your climate. For USDA growing zones 3- 6, we recommend looking for a spot that gets full sun. For zones 7-9, we recommend a spot that gets partial shade to full shade( You can look up your growing zone here). Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and plant the peony at the same depth as it was in the container. Make sure to water the peony deeply after planting to prevent transplant shock. You can also add a layer of mulch to help it retain moisture. With proper care and maintenance, your peonies will bring beautiful blooms year after year!

How to plant Peonies

Here are some tips on how to successfully plant and care for your peonies:

• Dig a hole about 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide for each peony you are planting.
• Mix some organic matter like compost into the soil to help the peony grow.
• Place the peony root ball in the hole and cover it with soil.
• Firm the soil around the root and water the newly planted peonies thoroughly.
• Mulch the area around the peony to help keep the soil moist and free of weeds.
• Fertilize the peonies in the early spring and again in the late summer with a balanced fertilizer.
• Cut back the foliage in the late fall to help the peony go dormant for the winter.

Following these steps will help you have success with your peony planting!

Caring for Peonies in a container

Caring for peonies in a container is a great way to enjoy these beautiful blooms. Here are some tips for success:

1. Choose a well-draining container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
2. Plant your peonies in a potting mix or soil designed for containers.
3. Water your peonies regularly, allowing the soil to become slightly dry to the touch between waterings.
4. Feed your peonies with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks while they are actively growing.
5. Deadhead (remove dead flowers) regularly to encourage more blooms.
6. Make sure the container has proper drainage holes to avoid root rot.

Keeping Peony flowers in a vase

Peony flowers in a vase is a great way to bring a natural touch of beauty into your home. To help your flowers last longer, make sure your vase is clean and the water is changed every couple of days. You can also add a few drops of bleach to the water to help prevent bacteria growth. To help the flowers last even longer, trim the stems and remove any wilted petals.

Popular Peony Varieties

Peony ‘Kansas’

Peony ‘Kansas’ is a beautiful, hardy flower that blooms in early spring. Its deep pink blossoms have a beautiful fragrance that adds a wonderful touch to any garden. It is a great choice for gardeners in the Midwest, as it can withstand cold temperatures and still produce a stunning display of flowers. Peony ‘Kansas’ is easy to care for and requires minimal fertilizing to ensure a healthy bloom. This variety of peony is sure to bring beauty and fragrance to any garden.

Peony ‘Edulus Superba’

Peony ‘Edulus Superba’ is a stunning variety peony, with deep red, semi-double blossoms that appear in late spring. It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and will grow in almost any soil type. It does best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. When planted in a sunny spot, the foliage will become a bright green color, and the blooms will be more vibrant and long-lasting. The plant can reach heights of up to 3 feet and has a spread of 2-3 feet. Peony ‘Edulus Superba’ is a beautiful addition to any garden and will bring a splash of color to your outdoor space.

Peony ‘Karl Rosenfield’

The Peony ‘Karl Rosenfield’ is a popular flower, with its stunning deep red petals and yellow center. It’s a great choice for adding a splash of color to any garden. It blooms in late spring to early summer and prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’

Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a beautiful, pink flowering perennial that is sure to add a touch of elegance to your garden! It’s a great choice for those looking for a classic, romantic look that will last. Its blooms are large, fragrant, and will attract a variety of pollinators. This peony is also low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it a great addition to any garden.

Peony ‘Gardenia’

The Peony ‘Gardenia’ variety is a wonderful choice for gardens due to its delicate, fragrant blooms. It typically reaches a height of 1.5 meters and produces large, white flowers with soft pink highlights. The blooms appear in late spring and last until early summer. The foliage is lush and green and the plant is disease-resistant and low-maintenance. If you’re looking for a stunning and fragrant flower to add to your garden, the Peony ‘Gardenia’ variety is a great choice!

Peony ‘Krinkled White’

The ‘Krinkled White’ Peony is a beautiful, fragrant flower that blooms in early summer. It is a double flower form, with large, white, ruffled petals surrounding a yellow center. It is a great choice for a sunny garden, as it will thrive in full sunlight and can reach heights of up to 3 feet.

Peony ‘Duchesse De Nemours’

The Peony ‘Duchesse De Nemours’ is a popular variety of peony that is known for its large, double white flowers that have a delicate fragrance. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, and can be easily propagated by division. It grows best in full sun and in well-drained soil. It will reach heights of up to 4 feet, and can spread up to 3 feet wide. It blooms in early summer and is a favorite among flower lovers.

Peony ‘Dr. Alexander Fleming’

The ‘Dr. Alexander Fleming’ variety of peony is a hybrid peony that produces bright pink, semi-double flowers that are about 5-6 inches wide. It has a long bloom period of late spring to early summer, and its foliage is a deep green with a glossy texture. It is a low maintenance perennial that is hardy in zones 3-8. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and can reach a maximum height of 3 feet.

Peony ‘Adolphe Rooseau’

Peony ‘Adolphe Rooseau’ is a peony variety, known for its large, fragrant, semi-double white blooms. It is generally easy to grow, and prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil and regular watering. It is also resistant to most common pests and diseases. Plant ‘Adolphe Rooseau’ in spring or fall for best results and enjoy its beauty for years to come!

Peony ‘Shirley Temple’

The Peony ‘Shirley Temple’ is an heirloom variety that was introduced in 1938. It’s a beautiful variety that has white and pink petals with a light yellow center. The petals are semi-double, with a slightly fragrant scent. The plant grows best in full sun and is known to be a hardy, low-maintenance variety. It’s a great choice for beginner gardeners!

Peony ‘Immaculee’

This variety of peony is a hybrid of P. lactiflora and P. officinalis, and it is known for its large, white, fragrant blooms. It is a hardy perennial, and typically blooms in late spring and early summer. Its foliage is a deep green and its habit is upright and bushy. It is a great choice for garden beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

Peonies, when cared for properly and planted in the right spot in your garden, can be enjoyed year after year. We hope these tips help you excited about planting Peonies in your garden this year!