Tag Archives: peonyplantingtips

Peony Myths Debunked – Part 1

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With all the fake news we find online these days it’s no wonder that peonies also have some “interesting” ideas floating around about them.

In this two-part series we’ll be debunking some of these myths.

Peonies Are Difficult to Grow

Peonies are actually quite easy to grow if a few simple rules are followed:

  • buy a well-established, mature plant
  • plant in a sunny/part-shaded and sheltered position
  • make sure whatever type of soil it is that it is free-draining
  • plant herbaceous and intersectionals with the crown no more 2.5cm below the surface
  • water consistently while buds are forming in spring
  • don’t over-water as peonies don’t like to have soggy ‘feet’ or roots
  • mulch, but not too much
  • feed once a year in the spring/autumn/summer
  • cut back herbaceous and intersectional peonies in autumn
  • prune tree peonies

 

Peonies Don't Like Cold Weather

Will your peony endure a snowy winter? Even though they may look delicate, they are hardy down to -25C and have been growing for many generations in parts of China, Japan, North America, Europe and Alaska where it is very cold.

Peonies need the colder weather to hibernate and get to work on new buds for Spring time. In fact, many growers have said that the colder the winter the better the blooms will be the following season.

The only time your peony may take a bit of strain is if there is a late frost, as it can damage the leaves. However, your peony won’t be beyond repair and will likely be back to its old self by the next season.

Peonies Only Grow in Certain Types of Soil

Peonies will be happy in any type of soil. The only necessity, no matter what soil you have, is that it is free draining.

Even if it is clay! Yes, clay!

That said, it can be a bit tricky to ensure clay soil drains well. If it is very hard-packed clay you’ll want to mix in some sand or stones before planting.

Specialist peony fertiliser will be a welcome addition to the soil when planting a peony in your garden for the first time. This will enrich the root growth in the first season.

Peonies Hate Moving

Who likes change? Ok, ok, some of us do. But most human, animal and plant beings are creatures of habit (or habitat) and will protest at being uprooted from their homes.

However, contrary to popular opinion peonies really don’t mind being moved. They just need to be handled correctly.

Here are some tips:

  • autumn after cutting back/pruning is the best time to move
  • ensure eyes (pink buds) on the roots are not damaged in the process
  • don’t over-mulch/cover them with too much soil
  • herbaceous and intersectional – crown (top of the plant) no more than about 2.5-5cm below surface
  • grafted tree peonies – graft union no more than about 10-15cm below surface

 

Peonies Don't Last Long

Absolutely untrue! In fact, you may need to leave them in your will as some have been known to live on happily for more than 90 years!

Because peonies take a while to mature, flowering from around 3-5 years old, some may have dug up their peonies prematurely thinking they’re dead.

This is why it’s best to buy your peony at flowering maturity from a reputable nursery so you can enjoy flowers every year from year one.

 

And that’s all for now! We hope this has helped you come around to the idea of adopting a peony.

Look out for part 2 of this series for more peony myth debunking...

Why peonies think Autumn is cool

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Autumn. What does it conjure up in your mind?

I’m thinking snuggling with the dog by the fire with a good book and hot choccie.

Wrapping up warmly for brisk walks in the crisp morning air.

Guilt-free lie-ins on weekends.

For some of us it’s not so rosy. When the cold starts setting in we may feel like death warmed up and struggle to extract ourselves from the comforting warmth of our bed.

So we may be inclined to think that our peonies also don’t like the cold weather. We may even think they're dead!

Never fear although winter is near. As mentioned last week, autumn is actually a good time for peonies. They quite enjoy the cold and the opportunity to hibernate. They need these conditions to work on making a fresh batch of buds for you to enjoy in the spring.

So how do we treat our slumbering plant babies?

  • Allow foliage to remain until touched by frost. If you remove it sooner it will affect the plants ability to make and store food reserves needed for growth and flowering in spring.
  • Cut herbaceous foliage back to an inch or 2 above the surface and Itoh to about 4 inches, being careful not to damage the buds at ground level
  • Dispose of the foliage carefully, even burning it, to prevent peony wilt in the spring
  • Make sure your soil is well drained. This is very important no matter what type of soil you have, especially in winter.

 

Although peonies are happy in any good quality soil, at this time of year you might want to use a well-balanced fertiliser such as bone meal or our own Summer Rejuvenator

Some have come to believe that it isn’t a good idea to move peonies. On the contrary! Peonies are only too happy to have a change of scenery. And now is the perfect time to divide and move them!

Here's what to do:

  • Remove foliage (as mentioned above) and lift clump out keeping as many roots in tact as possible
  • Gently wash soil off the roots and growth buds
  • Remove sections of the crown (from which the buds grow) each with at least 3 dormant growth buds and some roots attached
  • Replant with buds no more than an inch below the soil
  • Water

 

If you are just starting out on your peony journey now is the time to purchase your potted or bare-root peonies online and do as follows:

  • If unable to plant bare roots straight away, you can keep them in their shipping box in a cool, dry location for a few days if necessary
  • For potted peonies it is best to remove from all packaging and plant as soon as possible.
  • Pick a sunny, well-drained spot that has at least a square metre away from other plants otherwise they will be competing for moisture and nutrients
  • Dig hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide
  • Pat soil down gently when covering your peony, making sure the red buds are no more than 1 inch below the soil to encourage flowering
  • Water after planting to settle the soil and in dry spells. Drip irrigation is preferred to reduce the chance of fungal diseases

 

There is much more to say on this subject, which we will share in future posts but this should get you off to a good start.

In the meantime, please feel free to ask us anything. We love hearing from you!