Peony Rings
- Metal rings on legs placed over emerging shoots
- Allow stems to grow through and provide invisible support
- Install early in spring before plants get too tall
Stakes and String
- Individual stakes with soft ties
- Three-stake triangular arrangement works well
- Use soft materials to avoid cutting stems
Grow-through Supports
- Grid-style supports plants grow through
- Provide natural-looking support
- Must be installed early in season
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring (March-May)
- Remove winter mulch as shoots emerge
- Apply balanced fertilizer
- Install support systems
- Begin regular watering schedule
- Watch for disease symptoms
Summer (June-August)
- Deadhead spent blooms
- Deep water during dry spells
- Monitor for pests and diseases
- Enjoy the spectacular blooms!
- Reduce watering in late summer
Fall (September-November)
- Continue watering until dormancy
- Cut back herbaceous varieties after frost
- Clean up all plant debris
- Apply winter mulch in harsh climates
- Plant new peonies
Winter (December-February)
- No active care required
- Plan garden changes or additions
- Order new varieties from catalogs
- Protect tree peonies in harsh climates
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Peonies Not Blooming
Possible Causes:
- Planted too deep (most common cause)
- Insufficient sunlight
- Too much nitrogen fertilizer
- Plant too young (may take 2-3 years to establish)
- Crown rot or other diseases
Solutions:
- Check planting depth; replant if necessary
- Ensure 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Reduce nitrogen, increase phosphorus
- Be patient with young plants
- Inspect for disease symptoms
Weak, Floppy Stems
Causes:
- Too much shade
- Over-fertilization with nitrogen
- Poor soil drainage
- Lack of support
Solutions:
- Move to sunnier location if possible
- Adjust fertilization program
- Improve soil drainage
- Install proper support systems
Short Bloom Period
Causes:
- Hot weather
- Insufficient water
- Poor soil conditions
- Plant stress
Solutions:
- Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
- Maintain consistent soil moisture
- Improve soil with organic matter
- Mulch to moderate soil temperature
Companion Planting
Good Companions
- Hostas: Provide foliage interest after peony blooms fade
- Daylilies: Complementary bloom times and colors
- Iris: Spring sequence of blooms
- Roses: Classic combination with similar care needs
- Clematis: Vertical interest and extended bloom season
Plants to Avoid
- Aggressive spreaders that compete for nutrients
- Plants requiring frequent watering (may cause fungal issues)
- Very tall plants that block sunlight
Propagation
Division (Most Common Method)
- When: Fall, every 10-15 years or when clumps become overcrowded
- Process: Carefully dig entire clump, wash soil from roots, divide with sharp knife
- Requirements: Each division needs 3-5 eyes (growing points)
- Replanting: Plant immediately at proper depth
Seed Propagation
- Very slow method (5-7 years to bloom)
- Species peonies only (hybrids won’t come true)
- Requires cold stratification period
- Best left to experienced gardeners
Varieties to Consider
Popular Herbaceous Varieties
- ‘Sarah Bernhardt’: Pink double, fragrant, reliable bloomer
- ‘Karl Rosenfield’: Deep red double, strong stems
- ‘Festiva Maxima’: White with red flecks, classic variety
- ‘Bowl of Beauty’: Pink with cream center, Japanese form
Tree Peony Options
- ‘High Noon’: Yellow semi-double blooms
- ‘Age of Gold’: Golden yellow, very fragrant
- ‘Guardian of the Monastery’: Deep red, dramatic
Itoh Hybrids
- ‘Bartzella’: Yellow blooms, long flowering period
- ‘Julia Rose’: Color-changing blooms from coral to yellow
- ‘Cora Louise’: White with purple flares
Long-term Care and Maintenance
Peonies are remarkably long-lived plants that can thrive for 50-100 years with proper care. The key to success is:
- Patience: Allow 2-3 years for full establishment
- Consistency: Maintain regular care routines
- Observation: Watch for changes in plant health
- Minimal disturbance: Avoid moving established plants
- Annual maintenance: Consistent feeding, watering, and cleanup
With proper care, your peonies will reward you with decades of spectacular spring blooms, becoming cherished garden fixtures that can be passed down through generations. These magnificent plants truly embody the phrase “plant once, enjoy forever.”
