Peony Culture - Adopt The Queen Of Flowers

Say hello to the peony - the queen of flowers! This magnificent plant, known since the Victorian era, is still preferred by gardeners and is often used as a decoration for special occasions. It has large, often fragrant flowers that are world famous. Transform your garden or house into a space of happiness with our advice on caring for and growing peony. Replace toxic sprays with a natural scent that will amaze you. In addition, you can use these spectacular flowers to make a spring decoration that will bring sunny days.

Peony cultivation - how to choose and maintain your plant?

Peonies are perennials that can live in your garden for up to 100 years! Depending on the variety and weather conditions, they bloom from early May to late June. Once established, this plant does not need to be pampered and, unlike other perennials, it does not need to be dug up and divided every few years. What's also good is that peonies are frost resistant. The flowers are single or double, cup or ball shaped. Choose, therefore, a flower according to the preferred color, the size of your garden and the small specifications of each species.

Plant a herbaceous peony

There are about forty species of peonies, but there are 3 main types: herbaceous, shrub and Itoh. The herbaceous peony culture is very easy to care for. The plant disappears every winter and reappears again in the spring. With its huge flowers (10 to 25 cm in diameter), these plants cannot go unnoticed. The hues vary from red to white, but the best known are those of pink color. Growth takes place in the spring. So, it is advisable to plant the peony in early fall (late August and September). In winter, you can cut the stems, but you can also let them decompose in place. This pretty plant does not like to be moved or divided. For this reason, find a very sunny place and let the peony grow.

Adopt the tree peony

This type of peony forms small shrubs that do not exceed 3.5 m in height. You can plant them from September to May. During the first years, growth and rooting are long. This is completely normal. The color of the flowers varies, but the best known are - yellow, pink and purple. The tree peony prefers rich, well-drained soils and a place in the sun or partial shade. You need to free it from rootstocks by emitting its own roots so that it grows normally and flowers profusely. You can pair tree peony with small spring bulbs, perennials, or other shrubs.

Invite Itoh peonies to your home

Itoh is a hybrid of herbaceous peony and tree peony which is named after its Japanese creator. It has been marketed since the 1980s. The Itoh peony is a very rustic perennial, with unique colors and finely cut foliage. The flowers are large and resemble those of the tree peony.

Peony cultivation - how to care for your precious plant?

Some peonies need a stake, in case their flowers get too heavy. Thus, you will protect them from falling and breaking the rod. There are also varieties which retain a more compact shape and do not need to be supported. Once established, fertilize your plants in the fall and then in the spring when the shoots are emerging from the ground. Water during times of drought, especially young plants (one to two years old). When the flowers wilt, you need to cut them. But if you want them to form seeds, leave them for a few more days.

Peony culture and ants

If you already have peonies, you may have noticed that there are always ants on the flowers. Do not worry! They will not eat your precious plants. They are there for the sweet nectar that peonies give off. In addition, the ants will protect the flowers from other insects and clean them from disease spores. In short, do not try to keep ants away from the garden.

How to cut the flowers to have a nice bouquet longer?

If you cut the peonies after they are already open, they will only last a few days (sometimes just a few hours). Rather, they should be cut before the buds open. Do it in the morning, when the peonies are still full of moisture, and put them directly in water. Cut off any leaves that fall into the water. Clean thе vase regularly and cut thе stems daily to extend the life of the flowers. If you need to keep them longer, for a special occasion, you can put them in the refrigerator (with the vase), but away from fruits and vegetables. These stimulate flowering.

Does growing peony feel good in a pot?

It is not impossible to plant in a pot, but rather difficult. The peony has a superficial and very spreading root system. So, growing peony in pots is not recommended. Even so, there are lucky ones who have managed to grow a herbaceous peony in a pot. Also take into account that it is an outdoor plant that does not like hot winters. So, if you decide to plant your peony as a pretty ornamental plant, choose the size of the pot well. You can even make an outdoor planter yourself and then decorate the front door. This will sublimate the front of your home making a pretty first impression on your visitors.

Herbaceous peonies in their natural habitat

Flowers that personify the romantic spirit

Peonies with their intense colors

White and light pink shades give a super delicate silk look

A yellow tree peony

Peonies are favorite flowers for the bridal bouquet