Peonies are best planted in the fall, but spring planting is possible if the roots are dormant and the soil is workable. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Peonies prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Preparing the Planting Hole
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about 18 inches deep. Amend the soil in the bottom of the hole with compost or well-rotted manure.
Planting the Peony
Place the peony in the hole, making sure the crown of the roots is about 2 inches below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water thoroughly.
Fertilizing Your Peony
Peonies are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring before new growth appears. Avoid fertilizing during the blooming period.
Growing Your Peony
Peonies are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, they do require some basic care to thrive.
Watering
Water your peony regularly, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Mulching
Mulching around the base of your peony can help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Use a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw.
Staking
Tall peony varieties may require staking to prevent the stems from breaking. Use soft ties to secure the stems to the stakes.
Blooming Your Peony
Peonies typically bloom in late spring or early summer. To encourage more blooms, remove spent flowers as soon as they fade.
Watering Your Peony
Peonies prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Peony Plant Types
There are three main types of peonies:
Herbaceous Peonies
Herbaceous peonies are the most common type of peony. They have herbaceous stems that die back to the ground each winter. Herbaceous peonies are available in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and yellow.
Tree Peonies
Tree peonies are woody shrubs that can grow up to 6 feet tall. They are slow-growing but long-lived. Tree peonies are prized for their large, showy flowers.
Itoh Peonies
Itoh peonies are a hybrid of herbaceous and tree peonies. They have the large, showy flowers of tree peonies and the herbaceous growth habit of herbaceous peonies. Itoh peonies are relatively new to the market but are becoming increasingly popular.
