How to Grow Peony in Your Garden

Peonies are one of the most beautiful and luxurious flowering plants you can grow in your garden, especially during spring. Known for their large, vibrant blooms and lovely fragrance, peonies can elevate any garden’s aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and maintaining peonies in your garden.

Peony Planting

Peonies are perennial plants that thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. To plant peonies, it is essential to prepare the soil and create a suitable planting hole. The best time to plant peonies is in the late summer, specifically in the second half of August, once the flowers have finished blooming. Here’s how you can go about planting peonies:

1. Preparing the Hole: Dig a hole 60–70 cm wide and 50 cm deep for lighter soils, and 60 cm wide and 70 cm deep for heavier soils. The depth of the hole ensures the roots have enough space to spread and grow without being waterlogged.

2. Adding Drainage: At the bottom of the hole, add 20 cm of drainage material such as broken pottery, gravel, or coarse sand to prevent water from pooling around the roots.

3. Filling the Hole: Fill the hole with a mixture of compost, well-rotted manure, peat, and a specialized flower nutrient substrate. Add 300g of wood ash and 100g each of dolomitic lime, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate. Mix well.

4. Planting the Peony: After preparing the hole, place the peony root or division in the center. The buds on the root should be 3–5 cm below the soil surface to prevent them from drying out or becoming waterlogged. Space peonies 80–120 cm apart, depending on the variety.

5. Watering: Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, especially in the first few weeks after planting.

Care for Peony

Peonies require minimal care once they are established. However, regular maintenance will help keep them healthy and ensure a beautiful bloom each year.

1. Watering: Peonies need regular watering during dry spells, especially before June, as this helps them form healthy renewal buds. Water deeply (around 40 liters per square meter) to reach the depth of the roots, especially during hot weather. It’s best to water in the evening when the weather is warmer.

2. Mulching: In the spring, add a 10 cm layer of mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the base of the plants. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides nutrients.

3. Pruning: After the blooming season, remove spent flowers to prevent the spread of disease. In the fall, once the first frost has occurred, cut the stems down to 2–3 cm above the ground. This encourages fresh growth the following spring.

4. Winter Protection: Peonies should be protected during the winter with a layer of mulch (preferably peat or compost) to prevent frost damage. Remove the mulch in early spring when the weather starts to warm.

How Big Does Peony Grow?

Peonies typically grow to a height of 60–100 cm, with some varieties growing taller depending on the specific cultivar. Their blooms can reach up to 20 cm in diameter, making them a striking focal point in any garden. As the plant matures, the stems may spread up to 1 meter, so they are best planted with sufficient space for growth.

How Long Does Peony Bloom?

Peonies bloom for about 10–15 days, with individual flowers lasting 6–8 days. The duration of the blooming period may vary depending on the weather—hot, dry conditions tend to shorten the bloom time. However, despite the short blooming period, peonies make a significant impact with their large, vibrant flowers and intoxicating fragrance.

When Does Peony Bloom?

Peonies typically bloom in late spring to early summer. The blooming period depends on the variety:

• Early-blooming varieties: Bloom in late May to early June.

• Mid-season varieties: Bloom in early to mid-June.

• Late-blooming varieties: Bloom in mid to late June.

For continuous blooms throughout the spring, consider planting a variety of peony types.

Are Peony Annual or Perennial?

Peonies are perennial plants, meaning they live for many years and return every spring. Once planted, peonies can grow for 10–15 years without needing to be divided, though division may be necessary to rejuvenate older plants or to propagate new ones.

Peony Types and Their Differences

Peonies come in a variety of types, each with unique characteristics. Here are the main types of peonies:

1. Herbaceous Peonies: These are the most common type of peony, with large, showy blooms that grow from the ground each year. They typically bloom in late spring and early summer and are ideal for flowerbeds and borders.

2. Tree Peonies: These peonies have a woody structure and can grow taller than herbaceous varieties. They bloom earlier in the season (usually in April) and have large, colorful blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow.

3. Intersectional Peonies (Itoh Peonies): A hybrid of tree and herbaceous peonies, intersectional peonies combine the best qualities of both types. They have the vigor and size of tree peonies but the ability to die back to the ground each year, like herbaceous peonies.

4. Lactiflora Peonies: Known for their soft, creamy blooms, lactiflora peonies are often fragrant and come in various colors from white to deep red.

Peony Varieties by Color Range and Shape

Outside of the 4 main types of peonies there are 33 known species of peonies, with thousands of cultivated varieties. Below are some of the most popular varieties grouped by color and form.

Food for Peony. Peony Fertilizers

Peonies require regular feeding to support their growth and flowering, especially as they mature. However, they are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fertilization. Here’s a basic fertilization schedule:

1. First Year: It’s recommended not to fertilize heavily in the first year after planting, as the plant needs to establish roots. However, organic fertilizers such as compost or manure are beneficial.

2. Subsequent Years: Starting in the second year, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Follow up with a slow-release fertilizer for continuous feeding throughout the growing season.

3. Additional Feeding: In late summer (August–September), use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to help the plant prepare for winter and encourage root growth.

By following this care guide, you’ll ensure your peonies grow strong and healthy, producing beautiful blooms for many years to come. Whether planted in flowerbeds or containers, peonies are a stunning addition to any garden.