Common Garden Peony

Choosing Your Peony: Hey there, future peony gardener! Common Garden Peonies are a classic choice for any garden because they’re beautiful, hardy, and long-lived. They come in a variety of colors like pink, white, and red. If you're just starting out, it's best to buy peony roots (also called "divisions") rather than seeds since they take longer to bloom from seed.

Timing: The best time to plant peonies is in the fall—around September to October—before the ground freezes but after the summer heat has passed. This gives the roots time to settle and establish before winter.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

• Peony roots or young plants
• A garden spade or trowel
• Well-draining soil (if your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or sand)
• Organic fertilizer or bone meal (optional, but helpful)
• Mulch (for winter protection)

Location:
Peonies love sunlight! Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. They can tolerate a little shade, but too much will reduce blooming. Also, make sure the area has good air circulation to prevent diseases.

Tip: Avoid planting peonies too close to large trees or shrubs—they don’t like competing for nutrients!

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soil:
   Dig a hole about 18 inches wide and 12-18 inches deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole so the roots can grow easily. If your soil is heavy, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
2. Position the Roots:
   Place the peony root in the hole with the "eyes" (the small buds on the root) facing upward. These eyes are where the stems will grow from. Make sure the top of the root is no more than 2 inches below the soil surface—this is important! Planting too deep is a common mistake that can stop your peony from blooming.
3. Backfill the Hole:
   Gently cover the root with soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets. Don’t pack the soil too tightly; it should be firm but not compacted.
4. Water Thoroughly:
   After planting, give your peony a good drink of water. This helps the soil settle around the roots and encourages them to start growing.
5. Optional Fertilizer:
   If you want to give your peony an extra boost, sprinkle a little bone meal or organic fertilizer into the hole before covering it with soil.

Tip: Space each peony plant about 3 feet apart to give them plenty of room to grow.

Sunlight and Watering: Peonies need lots of sunshine, so make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Once established, they are pretty drought-tolerant, but during their first year, keep the soil slightly moist—especially during dry spells. Water deeply once a week rather than giving them a little water every day.

Fertilizing:
You don’t need to fertilize peonies often, but if you want to encourage bigger blooms, you can give them a light feeding in early spring when new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer or one low in nitrogen (the first number on the bag). Too much nitrogen can lead to lush green leaves but fewer flowers.

Supporting Your Peonies: As your peonies grow, their big blooms can become heavy and flop over. To avoid this, you can use a simple wire support ring or stake them up. Place these supports early in the season before the plant grows too tall.

Winter Care:
In late fall, after the leaves have died back, cut the stems down to about 2-3 inches above the ground. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the old foliage. If you live in a colder climate, you can mulch around the base of the plant with straw or leaves to protect the roots from harsh winter conditions.

Tip: Avoid cutting off all the leaves during the growing season—peonies need their foliage to gather energy for next year’s blooms!

When to Harvest Peonies: Peonies typically bloom in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate. The flowers last about a week or two in the garden, and they're absolutely stunning during this time. While peonies aren't edible, many people love cutting them for bouquets!

How to Cut Peony Flowers:
If you want to bring some peonies indoors:

1. Cut the flowers early in the morning when the buds are just starting to open.
2. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to cut the stem at an angle.
3. Leave at least two-thirds of the plant intact so it can continue to gather energy for next year’s blooms.

Vase Life:
Peonies last about 5-7 days in a vase. To extend their life, change the water every couple of days and trim the stems slightly each time.

Tip: If you want to enjoy peonies indoors without cutting too many, simply admire them in the garden—they’re breathtaking right where they are!

Q: Why isn’t my peony blooming?
A: There are several reasons why your peony might not be blooming:

• It could be planted too deep (remember, the eyes should be no more than 2 inches below the soil).
• It may still be establishing itself (peonies can take 2-3 years to bloom after planting).
• Too much shade can also prevent flowering—ensure it’s getting enough sunlight.

Q: Do peonies need to be divided?
A: Peonies don’t need frequent dividing like some other perennials. In fact, they can thrive in the same spot for decades! However, if your peony becomes overcrowded or less vigorous, you can divide it in the fall.

Q: Are peonies prone to pests or diseases?
A: Peonies are generally hardy, but they can occasionally attract ants. Don’t worry—ants are harmless and are just attracted to the sweet nectar on the buds. For diseases, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues like botrytis.

Q: Can I move my peony once it’s established?
A: Yes, but it’s best to do so in the fall. Be careful when digging up the roots, and replant them at the correct depth to avoid shocking the plant.

Q: What should I do if my peony gets “floppy”?
A: Floppy peonies usually mean the blooms are too heavy. Next year, try using a peony support ring early in the season to help hold up the stems as they grow.