Paeonia spp., or peonies, are flowering perennials that do best in full sun and are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. It blooms in the spring and occasionally in the early summer.
The huge, floppy flowers are a mainstay of cottage gardens and the subject of numerous botanical prints and textiles.
Pink, purple, red, white, and yellow are some of the colors. Petal layers in flowers can be single, double, or semi-double and are frequently fringed or two-toned. Some have a scent.
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In the fall, certain plants’ leathery, serrated green foliage turns bronze and copper, and guess what? Normally, deer stay away from this shrub.
We go through all you need to know to grow your own plants in our guide on cultivating peonies.
This article focuses on the various varieties of peony, their growth patterns, and distinctive physical characteristics.
What time of year do peonies bloom?
Peonies have been grown for more than 2000 years and are a traditional component of perennial borders. Peony flowers offer a brilliant splash of color to the environment and are prized for their profusion of blossoms, the beauty of their magnificent flowers, their pleasant smell, and their robust foliage that changes shades with the seasons.
One of nature’s most beautiful perennials, they are practically careless once established, produce some of the nicest cut flowers, are deer resistant, and survive for years. Both florists and many upcoming brides have a soft spot for peony bouquets. Why not relax at home with a peony bouquet?
Starting in April and continuing through the months of May and June, peonies blossom in the late spring to early summer. Sadly, peonies only bloom for 7–10 days, which is quite a short time. They are categorized with a flowering time, ranging from Very Early to Very Late season, relative to other peonies because they do not all flower at the same time. Therefore, you may plan to plant a variety of varieties, from Very Early- to Very Late season bloomers, to fill your garden with continuously flowering peonies throughout the season to up to 6 weeks.
Notes:
- Your local climate will determine when a particular peony variety really starts to bloom. Compared to peonies planted in Illinois or Ohio, peonies grown in California or Florida bloom much earlier.
- In cooler climates, the flowering period will remain longer; in extremely hot and sunny climates, it will be profuse but relatively short.
- Hardiness zones 3 to 8 are ideal for peonies. Early to Midseason kinds are the finest to grow if you are growing peonies in warm spring or hot summer regions since Late Season varieties could not bloom effectively if the temperatures become too hot.
Here is a list of peony cultivars arranged by flowering season to aid in your planning of your late spring or early summer garden and your choice of peony variations. Choose at least one peony from each group if you are a devoted peony admirer to extend the enjoyment of their opulent blossoms!
Do peony grow as annuals or perennials?
Peonies are enduring garden favorites that are well-known for their lavish, early-summer blossoms. They are dependable plants that bloom for generations with little care and have an extraordinarily long lifespan. Peonies are unmatched as cut flowers. They are beautiful in their natural beauty and have a soft, enduring perfume, whether they are grown alone or in mixed bouquets.
Start with a Better Bulb
It’s simple to discern quality differences between two peony plants when you compare them side by side. Grade #1 peony, as displayed at far left, are provided by Longfield Gardens. Right on this page is a peony of grade #2. The larger root requires less time to mature into a robust plant that bears several blossoms.
Plan for Success
Peonies are low maintenance and incredibly simple to grow. Here are some pointers to assist you achieve the greatest outcomes.
Peonies thrive in the sun and perform at their best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is preferable to put your peonies in the most sunny area possible because the more sun they receive, the better their blooms will be.
Zones 3–8 are suitable for peonies’ winter hardiness. Cold winter climates are excellent for their growth and flowering. Zones 8 may be difficult for them, while zones 9 and warmer are not advised for them. Check your hardiness zone now. The USDA Hardiness zone map can be found here.
Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil is ideal for growing most plants, including peony. By incorporating compost and an all-purpose fertilizer during planting time, you can enhance the condition of your soil. Planting should not be done on wet or compacted soil.
When to Plant: Spring or fall are both suitable times to plant bareroot peonies. The plants can withstand frost, so you can plant them two to three weeks before the last day of frost. You can plant potted peonies at any time of the growing season.
How to Plant Peonies
Make a 12-by-12-inch hole. Compost and general-purpose granular fertilizer should be added after loosening the soil at the bottom of the hole (follow package directions).
Place the peony root in the hole with the eyes (the growth points) no lower than one inch below the surface of the soil. Peonies that are planted too deeply may continue to grow but not blossom. Add soil over the root and water as necessary.
Planting Tips for Peonies
Peonies need full sun in order to produce a profusion of blossoms. Even though certain types may withstand moderate shadow, fewer flowers bloom in general when there is less light.
Peonies should be planted in soil that is fertile, well-drained, and has a pH range of neutral to slightly alkaline. They will eventually grow a substantial root system and become challenging to relocate. Spend some time placing your peonies in a location where they can flourish for many years. The plants are reasonably drought resistant once they are established.
Where to Plant Peonies
Continual Gardens Perennial gardens work well with peonies. Their year-round gorgeous dark green leaves. Peony leaves occasionally turn crimson or gold in the fall.
Fence lines and hedges To create a low hedge for enclosing a space, defining one side of a garden, or edging a walkway, peonies can be planted in a row. They also look fantastic when planted at the bottom of a chain link or split rail fence. As a sturdy fence will restrict airflow around the plants and increase their susceptibility to foliar diseases, avoid growing them next to one.
Plantings for the foundation and shrub borders The presence of a peony is comparable to that of a tiny shrub. Peonies may grow practically anyplace in your landscape as long as they are planted in well-drained soil, receive enough light, and have sufficient air circulation.
What to Expect from Peonies
All peonies bloom in the first few weeks of summer, however each cultivar blooms at a different period. The peony season can be prolonged by a month or more if you plant a mixture of early, mid, and late season bloomers. Other early summer perennials like iris, alliums, and roses pair well with peonies. The greenery keeps borders looking full and gives other flowers a lush background.
Most peony mature at least three feet tall and three feet wide, depending on the type. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them freedom to expand. Peonies will maintain their flowers straight if a support cage is placed all around them. Use a pre-made peony support or create your own from steel or mesh reinforcing wire or wood slats. Early in the spring, before the plants reach a height of 12 inches, supports should be installed.
Carefree peony plants that hardly ever experience insect or disease problems. A young peony plant needs two to three years to become established, but once it does, it will reliably blossom each year.
Fantastic cut flowers are peonies. The majority of cultivars are also incredibly fragrant, and they remain for days in a vase. When the buds are in the “marshmellow” stage, peony stems can be removed and kept in water in the refrigerator for a few weeks. After many days, the buds on the stems brought into room temperature will begin to open.
Caring for Peonies are they Bloom
Use scissors to cut off the wasted flower heads and the top six to eight stems once the blossoms have faded “that stem. This will prevent the plants from forming seed heads and keep the plants looking tidy. The plants will be able to produce the energy they require for the blossoms of the following year if as little foliage as possible is removed.
When the leaves start to turn yellow in the fall, trim all the stems to within an inch or two of the ground.
When the stems are about 6 inches long in the spring, fertilize peonies “tall. Around the base of each plant, dispense roughly a half cup of all-purpose granular fertilizer. To avoid having the eyes buried too deeply, remove any mulch or other debris from the plant’s crown.
How to Divide a Peony
Peonies can stay undisturbed for several years in the same location. If the plants must be moved, do so in the fall when they are beginning to enter dormancy rather than in the spring when they are just starting to grow again. Trim the leaves, which may be up to three feet wide, then carefully remove the entire root ball. Dig carefully, avoiding uprooting any roots, and dig deeply. Replant right away, and give it lots of water.
Plant division can be done in the fall or very early in the spring. One method is to remove the entire root ball as previously said, then place the clump on a tarp. After cutting the clump into sections with a sharp knife, quickly replant each section. Work swiftly and gently, causing the fewest potential injuries to the fleshy roots.
The alternative is to cut one or more portions of root from the mother plant using a sharp spade. Once more, plant these divisions again right away, and during the first growth season, irrigate as necessary. Though you may often anticipate losing at least one season of blossoms, plants will recover more quickly the less the roots are touched.
Peony Pests and Diseases
Pests and illnesses rarely affect peonies. Buds can occasionally become black and shrivel as if they have been scorched by a fungus called botrytis. Young shoots and entire stems may turn black as a result of the disease. Wet weather worsens infection, as it does with all fungus-related illnesses. Take away and discard any tissues that are harmed. The greatest method of management is prevention; discard wasted blooms as soon as you can, abstain from overhead irrigation, and avoid crowding plants to promote good air circulation.
Peony buds are coated in a slightly sweet, sticky material just before they blossom. This will frequently draw ants, who enjoy the tasty treat. The ants are not necessary for peonies, yet they do not harm them in any way. It benefits both parties. Simply shake the flowers or submerge them in cool water if you plan to cut them and don’t want to attract ants into your house.
Are peonies and peony roses the same thing?
The extravagant, romantic appearance of garden flowers that open wide to display an abundance of flawless petals is more in demand than ever, especially for weddings. Examples include peonies, garden roses, dahlias, and ranunculus.
However, it’s not always simple for designers to figure out which of these flowers, or in what combination, will work best to achieve the desired aesthetic at the right time of year and at the right cost.
Particularly peonies are enjoying their time in the spotlight. Let’s examine peonies and garden roses and how to utilize them in bridal bouquets and décor, either separately or together.
Ins and Outs
The first thing to understand is that peonies are always grown in the field (to bloom, the peony plant requires a cold period). On the other hand, greenhouses are where garden roses grown for weddings are grown. This implies that although garden roses are available all year long (and of consistently high quality), peonies are a seasonal crop.
The peony season in North America begins in the South in April and progresses from one growing region to the next as the weather warms. Peonies from Alaska have recently, albeit in very small amounts, prolonged the season into July, August, and September. Peonies for fall and winter must be transported from further south, typically from Chile or New Zealand.
As a result of Colombia’s proximity to the equator and consistent year-round sunlight and warmth, garden roses from Alexandra Farms are cultivated there. The price and availability both exhibit quite little changes and are generally steady. When you’re creating a budget and order list months in advance, that consistent dependability is very useful.
Size Matters
The form and opening of peonies and garden roses are comparable. Particular garden rose cultivars give a cupped form that is similar to a peony. According to Christi Lopez AIFD, CFD, EMC of Bergerons Flowers in Springfield, Virginia, “I frequently have brides that mix them up. They mistake a peony for a rose when they see it.
Both of these big blooms spread out when placed in a vase or arrangement. Due to the cooler temperatures and prolonged growth seasons, peony, particularly those from Alaska, can grow to a width of nine inches. Roses produced in Colombia and Ecuador respond similarly to cold nights in the high Andes.
Ania Norwood AIFD, CFD, CCF, EMC, a designer based in Southern California, believes that size isn’t always better. She observes that the flower should match the size of the bouquet or arrangement.
Wide-open peonies can tip the scale if the bride is shorter in stature or if she just prefers a smaller bouquet in keeping with modern trends. Ania explains, “I like to utilize peonies in larger arrangements so they stand out when viewed from a distance.
Peonies and garden roses are suitable flowers for an arch or chuppah, according to Christi. According to Christi, “I like to blend peonies, garden roses, and ranunculus at one occasion. “In this manner, I have all three sizes in the same color scheme, allowing me to create everything from large-scale to intimate.
Palette and Perfume
Peonies and garden roses both come in a variety of hues that are preferred for weddings. Christi notes that the color palette that can be used with garden roses, however, may be wider and more complex.
The combined hues of garden roses can produce a subtle, delicate impression when viewed up close. The hues of a peony can appear more striking from a distance.
Garden roses are a must-have for the bride who enjoys perfume. According to Christi, “Scent is desired in today’s floral designs. It’s true that some customers want to avoid odor, in which case peonies or garden rose kinds without strong aroma are both choices.
The Timeline of Performance
Christi comments, “I like how long-lasting garden roses are. Because I receive Alexandra Farms types on a weekly basis, I’ve observed that they keep up really well even in routine retail design, which I believe most florists aren’t recognizing because they’re just considering weddings.
Depending on the variety, the optimal cut-stage for garden roses varies, but often they are cut and shipped slightly open. They will then reliably and fully open after a few days of being received with the proper varieties and care. The open blooms are bred to persist at that stage with sufficient care.
Peonies are harvested at the bud stage and transported. Having tight, spherical buds when they arrive, they occasionally fail to open depending on the time of year and the source. Since the open bloom is not likely to stay as long as a garden rose at that point, the timing must be exact. Ania observes that peonies can be prone to breaking.
And All the Rest
Peonies and garden roses both frequently have thick stems. Garden rose stems can be more flexible and thinner than peony stems, which Ania finds appealing for some designs, she says.
Christi continues, “I will frequently include the foliage of a garden rose in the design. The foliage on roses from Alexandra Farms comes in clean and is not sprayed with chemicals, making it simple to use.
If a bride requests peonies at a time when they are pricey or difficult to find, Christi continues, “an open garden rose is the ideal substitution. ” But I also enjoy using them in tandem. It may be a “in addition to,” rather than always being a “either/or.”