Sarah Bernhardt remains the most widely planted peony in America, beloved for its large, double pink flowers and reliable performance across various climate zones.
Festiva Maxima has been a garden staple since 1851, featuring pure white double flowers with occasional red flecks that add character to the blooms.
Late Season Beauties (June)
Kansas produces vibrant red double flowers that provide excellent contrast in mixed perennial borders.
Duchesse de Nemours offers fragrant white flowers with a hint of yellow at the center, perfect for cutting gardens.
When to Plant Peonies in America
Timing is crucial for successful peony establishment. The best planting time varies by region:
Northern States (Zones 3-5): Plant peonies from late August through September. This timing allows roots to establish before winter dormancy.
Middle States (Zones 6-7): The ideal planting window extends from early September through October.
Southern States (Zones 8-9): Plant from October through November, as peonies require a cold winter period for proper blooming.
Fall planting is essential because peonies need 12-16 weeks of cold temperatures below 40°F to develop flower buds for the following spring.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Peonies are long-term garden investments that can live for 50-100 years, making site selection critical. Consider these factors when choosing your planting location:
Sunlight Requirements: Peonies need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. In extremely hot climates, they benefit from afternoon shade.
Soil Drainage: Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. Peonies planted in waterlogged conditions will develop root rot and fail to thrive.
Air Circulation: Good air movement around plants helps prevent fungal diseases that can plague peonies in humid conditions.
Space Planning: Allow 3-4 feet between plants, as mature peonies can spread 3-4 feet wide.
Soil Preparation and Requirements
Proper soil preparation sets the foundation for decades of beautiful blooms. Peonies prefer slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH between 6.5-7.0.
Soil Testing: Test your soil pH using a digital meter or soil test kit. Most American soils tend to be slightly acidic, so lime may be needed to raise pH.
Organic Matter: Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or well-aged manure into the planting area. This improves drainage while providing slow-release nutrients.
Drainage Improvement: If your soil doesn’t drain well, create raised beds or add coarse sand and perlite to improve drainage.
Depth Preparation: Dig planting holes 18-24 inches deep and wide to accommodate the peony’s extensive root system.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Proper planting technique determines whether your peonies will thrive or struggle. Follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Planting Hole Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and 18 inches deep. Mix excavated soil with compost at a 1:1 ratio.
Step 2: Check Planting Depth This is the most critical step. The growing points (eyes) on the peony root should be planted exactly 2 inches below the soil surface in northern climates, or 1 inch deep in southern regions. Planting too deep is the primary reason peonies fail to bloom.
Step 3: Position the Root Place the peony root in the hole with eyes facing upward. The root should sit at the correct depth when the hole is backfilled.
Step 4: Backfill Carefully Fill the hole with the amended soil mixture, gently firming as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Step 5: Mark the Location Place a plant marker to identify the location, as peonies emerge late in spring.
Watering and Irrigation
Peonies have specific watering needs that change throughout the growing season:
Spring Watering: As shoots emerge, provide 1 inch of water weekly. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth.
Blooming Period: Maintain consistent moisture during bud development and flowering. Drought stress during this period can reduce flower size and quantity.
Summer Care: After blooming, reduce watering frequency but don’t allow plants to become completely dry.
Fall Preparation: Gradually reduce watering as plants enter dormancy.
Watering Technique: Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation work excellently for peonies.
Fertilizing Peonies for Maximum Blooms
Peonies are moderate feeders that respond well to balanced nutrition:
Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when shoots are 2-3 inches tall. Use 1 tablespoon per plant.
Organic Options: Compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion provide gentle, slow-release nutrition.
Phosphorus Boost: Add bone meal in fall to promote root development and flower bud formation.
Potassium Importance: Ensure adequate potassium for disease resistance and winter hardiness.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Excessive nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Mulching and Weed Control
Proper mulching protects peony roots and conserves moisture:
Mulch Selection: Use organic mulches like shredded bark, compost, or leaf mold. Avoid fresh wood chips, which can tie up nitrogen.
Application Depth: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants, keeping it 2 inches away from stems to prevent rot.
Seasonal Mulching: Refresh mulch in spring and fall. Remove old mulch in late fall to eliminate disease organisms.
Weed Prevention: Mulch suppresses weeds that compete with peonies for nutrients and water.
Supporting Peony Blooms
Large peony flowers often require support to prevent stems from breaking:
Peony Rings: Install commercial peony rings when shoots are 6 inches tall. The growing stems will grow through and hide the supports.
DIY Support: Create supports using stakes and string, forming a grid pattern around the plant.
Timing: Install supports early in the season before stems become too tall and brittle.
Adjustment: Raise supports as plants grow, always keeping them below the flower buds.
Pruning and Deadheading
Proper pruning maintains plant health and appearance:
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers immediately after blooming to prevent seed formation and conserve plant energy.
Stem Removal: Cut flower stems back to the first strong leaf after blooming.
Fall Cleanup: Cut herbaceous peonies to ground level after foliage yellows in fall. This prevents disease carryover.
Timing: Never cut back green foliage, as it produces energy for next year’s blooms.
Common Peony Problems and Solutions
Understanding common issues helps maintain healthy plants:
Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves and buds. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Ants on Buds: Ants are attracted to sweet nectar on buds but don’t harm the plant. They often help by eating harmful insects.
Failure to Bloom: Usually caused by planting too deep, insufficient sunlight, or immature plants. Young peonies may take 2-3 years to bloom.
Weak Stems: Often indicates insufficient light or over-fertilization with nitrogen.
Propagating Peonies
Peonies can be propagated through division, though they prefer to remain undisturbed:
Division Timing: Divide peonies in early fall, 6-8 weeks before hard frost.
Root Preparation: Carefully dig the entire root system and wash away soil to see natural division points.
Division Process: Cut roots into sections, ensuring each piece has 3-5 eyes and substantial roots.
Replanting: Plant divisions immediately at the proper depth in prepared soil.
Seasonal Peony Care Calendar
Early Spring (March-April): Remove winter mulch gradually. Apply balanced fertilizer when shoots emerge.
Late Spring (April-May): Install plant supports. Begin regular watering schedule. Watch for pest issues.
Early Summer (May-June): Enjoy the blooming period. Deadhead spent flowers. Continue regular watering.
Mid-Summer (June-July): Reduce watering frequency. Monitor for disease issues. Cut back spent flower stems.
Late Summer (August): Prepare planting sites for new peonies. Begin planning fall divisions if needed.
Fall (September-November): Plant new peonies. Divide existing plants if necessary. Begin reducing water.
Winter (December-February): Cut back herbaceous varieties after foliage dies. Plan garden improvements for next year.
Companion Planting with Peonies
Peonies pair beautifully with other perennials that complement their growth habits:
Spring Companions: Plant early bulbs like daffodils and tulips around peonies for early season color.
Summer Partners: Hostas, astilbe, and heuchera provide attractive foliage contrast after peony blooms fade.
Fall Interest: Ornamental grasses and fall-blooming perennials extend the garden’s appeal.
Design Tips: Use peonies as anchor plants in mixed borders, surrounding them with lower-growing companions.
Peonies in American Garden Design
Peonies have played significant roles in American garden history:
Colonial Gardens: Early American settlers brought peonies from Europe, establishing them in formal garden designs.
Victorian Era: Peonies became symbols of prosperity and were featured prominently in elaborate garden designs.
Modern Landscapes: Today’s gardeners use peonies in naturalistic designs, cottage gardens, and contemporary landscapes.
Regional Adaptations: Different regions have developed preferences for varieties that perform best in local conditions.
Troubleshooting Common Growing Challenges
Why Won’t My Peonies Bloom? The most common causes include planting too deep, insufficient sunlight, immature plants, or recent transplanting. Check planting depth first, as this is the primary culprit.
How to Deal with Drooping Flowers? Large peony blooms naturally droop due to their weight. Install supports early in the season, or choose single-flowered varieties that require less support.
Managing Peony Diseases Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and cleaning up plant debris in fall.
Regional Growing Considerations
Northern Climates (Zones 3-5): Focus on cold-hardy varieties. Plant eyes 2 inches deep. Provide winter protection for tree peonies.
Southern Climates (Zones 8-9): Choose varieties with lower chill requirements. Plant eyes only 1 inch deep. Provide afternoon shade in hottest areas.
Midwest Gardens: Take advantage of the ideal peony climate. Most varieties perform excellently with standard care.
Coastal Areas: Account for salt spray and wind exposure. Choose sturdy varieties and provide wind protection.
Conclusion: Growing Peonies Successfully
Growing peonies successfully requires patience, proper planning, and attention to detail. These magnificent perennials reward gardeners with decades of spectacular blooms when given the right conditions. Remember that peonies are long-term investments in your garden’s beauty, so take time to prepare the soil properly and choose the right location.
The key to peony success lies in understanding their specific needs: well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, proper planting depth, and consistent care throughout the growing season. With these fundamentals in place, your peonies will become the crown jewels of your American garden, providing beauty and fragrance for generations to come.
Start your peony journey this fall by selecting varieties suited to your climate zone and preparing the perfect planting site. Your patience will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular flowers in the gardening world, creating a legacy that will bloom for decades in your American garden.
