Everything You Need to Know About Peony Plants: Tips for Success

Peonies are cherished for their stunning blooms, captivating fragrance, and lush greenery, making them a standout choice for any garden. With their large, sumptuous petals in shades of red, white, and pastels, peonies promise a spectacular summer display. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about growing and caring for these beloved perennials.

Introduction to Peonies

Peonies, scientifically known as Paeonia, are a diverse genus of flowering plants native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Known for their large, double-bloomed flowers and sweet scent, peonies are a popular choice for both gardens and floral arrangements. Our peony collection offers a variety of exquisite blooms that can transform your garden into a fragrant paradise.

Peony Plant Tips & Growing Instructions

Peonies are herbaceous perennials that belong to the family Paeoniaceae. They thrive in a variety of garden settings, from borders to walkways. Peonies are valued for their large, showy flowers that come in a range of colors including purple, red, white, and yellow. These blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer, adding a burst of color to your landscape.

Planting Peonies

The best time to plant peonies is in the fall. This allows the roots to establish before the colder months set in. Here’s how to plant them:

1. Soil Preparation: Peonies prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5 to 7.0) with good drainage. Enrich the soil with organic matter to improve fertility.
2. Spacing and Depth: Plant peony bulbs 3-4 feet apart and at a depth of 2-3 inches, making sure the eyes are facing upward. In warmer climates, you may need to plant them slightly deeper and provide some sun protection.
3. Watering: Water the peonies well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check regularly and water as needed, especially during dry spells.

Choosing the Right Location

Peonies are remarkably versatile and can thrive in both full and partial sun. They are well-suited for hardiness zones 3-8 and grow up to 3 feet tall with blooms reaching 5-7 inches in diameter. Ideal spots include garden borders, walkways, and any area needing a splash of elegance. They are resilient to cold winters and require minimal fertilizer. In some cases, staking may be necessary to support the heavy blooms.

Peony Plant Care

1. Early Spring: Ensure adequate water and add compost or aged manure around the base. If botrytis blight was an issue previously, apply a thin layer of sand around the plants and treat new shoots with Bordeaux mix or lime sulfur.
2. Mid-Spring: Monitor for signs of disease such as botrytis blight and remove any affected tissue. Use plant supports to train growing peonies and remove side buds to encourage larger blooms.
3. Late Spring: Deadhead flowers regularly and clean up fallen petals to prevent disease.
4. Summer: Provide about an inch of water weekly.
5. Fall: Cut back herbaceous peonies to soil level and mulch new plantings after the ground freezes. If necessary, dig and divide plants during this time.

Designing with Peonies

Peonies are ideal for a variety of garden styles. Their glossy green foliage remains attractive long after the blooms have faded, making them perfect for borders and walkways. Pair peonies with other flowering plants for a rich, layered look. Soft pink peonies blend beautifully with white blooms, while vibrant red peonies can add a striking contrast. They also complement roses and are excellent as cut flowers, making them a popular choice for bridal bouquets and other floral arrangements.

Common Peony Questions

• Are Peonies Perennials? Yes, peonies are perennials and will return each year with proper care. They are hardy to Zone 3 and can tolerate a range of conditions, including rocky or sandy soil.
• When Do Peonies Bloom? Peonies typically bloom from late spring to early summer. It may take a few years for plants to reach full bloom, especially for tree peonies.
• When Should You Buy Peonies? The best time to buy peonies is in the fall, which allows for proper planting and a cold period before spring growth. Some varieties can also be planted in spring.

Growing Peonies Indoors

If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider growing peonies in containers. Bring them indoors before frost and place them in a sunny location. Though indoor peonies may not be as vigorous or produce fruit, they can still provide beauty and fragrance during colder months.

Overwintering Peonies

Peonies are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures. For outdoor plants, add mulch in the fall to protect the roots. Indoor plants should be trimmed back and moved to a cool, bright location for the winter.

Addressing Pests and Diseases

Peonies are generally pest-resistant but may face issues with scale, spider mites, and whiteflies in warm, humid conditions. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases like leaf spot may also occur; remove affected leaves and treat with fungicide if necessary. Ensure good soil drainage to prevent root rot.

Encouraging Blooms

To maximize blooming, provide peonies with plenty of sun—ideally, eight hours a day. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

In Nutshell

Peonies are a timeless addition to any garden, offering stunning blooms, delightful fragrance, and ease of care. With the right planting and maintenance, these elegant flowers can enhance your garden’s beauty for years to come.

For more expert tips on growing peonies and to explore our collection, visit Breck’s peony wholesale and ensure your garden flourishes with these magnificent blooms.

Peony Plant Type Available:

Alertie Peony

Bartzella Itoh Peony

Belgravia Peony

Bella Donna Peony

Blaze Peony

Bowl Of Cream Peony

Bowl of Beauty Peony

Wild Lactiflora Peony

Bride’s Dream Peony

Buckeye Belle Peony

Bulls Eye Tree Peony

Canary Brilliants Itoh Peony

Candy Stripe Peony

Catharina Fontijn Peony

Celebrity Peony

Cherry Hill Peony

Chiffon Parfait Peony

Colour in Harmony Peony Duet

Command Performance Peony

Cora Louise Itoh Peony

Coral Charm Peony

Coral Magic Peony

Coral Sunset Peony

Cut-Flower Peony Mixture

Dayton Peony

Diana Parks Peony

Do Tell Peony

Doreen Peony

Dr. Alexander Fleming Peony

Duchesse de Lorraine Itoh Peony

Duchesse de Nemours Peony

Dutch-Grown Tree Peony Collection

Eden’s Perfume Peony

Eliza Lundy Peony

Etched Salmon Peony

Felix Crousse Peony

Felix Supreme Peony

Fernleaf Peony

Festiva Maxima Peony

Fragrant Peony Mixture

French Blend Peony Mixture

Garden Treasure Itoh Peony

Gardenia Peony

Gay Paree Peony

Goldilocks Peony

Green Halo Peony

Green Lotus Peony

Hanakisoi Tree Peony

High Noon Tree Peony

Highlight Peony

Honey Gold Peony

Immaculee Peony

Itoh Lifetime Peony Collection

Jan van Leeuwen Peony

Jitsu Getsu Nishiki Tree Peony

Joker Peony

Julia Rose Itoh Peony

Kansas Peony

Karl Rosenfield Peony

Kasuka Peony

King’s Day Peony

Lady Alexandra Duff Peony

Laura Dessert Peony

Lemon Chiffon Peony

Lemon Dream Itoh Peony

Lois’ Choice Peony

Lollipop Itoh Peony

Lorelei Peony

Love Affair Itoh Peony

Mackinac Grand Peony

Many Happy Returns Peony

Marie Lemoine Peony

Mister Ed Peony

Mme. Calot Peony

Monsieur Jules Elie Peony

Moon River Peony

Morning Lilac Itoh Peony

Officinalis Anemoniflora Rosea Peony

Old Faithful Peony

Oochigeas Itoh Peony

Paul M Wild Peony

Peony Francoise Ortegat

Peony Mixture Super Sak®

Peter Brand Peony

Pietertje Vriend Wagenaar Peony

Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony

Princess Bride Peony

Raspberry Sundae Peony

Rebel Rockii-Flare Tree Peony

Red Charm Peony

Red Grace Peony

Red Sarah Bernhardt Peony

Reine Hortense Peony

Renkaku Tree Peony

Sarah Bernhardt Peony