Garden Peonies

Also called Chinese Peony. Reliable, long-lived hardy herbaceous perennial native from Tibet to Siberia. The red to forest-green shoots appear in mid-spring and form a bushy clump of lustrous dark green deeply lobed foliage that makes a lovely hedge or backdrop to the flower garden.

Big spherical buds on sturdy stems gradually open from late spring to early summer, transforming into huge stunning blooms. Peonies require support to keep the heavy blossoms from flopping. For long-lasting cutflowers, harvest when buds are soft like marshmallows but not quite open.

Ants on peony buds are normal, so leave them alone. While the ants collect sticky nectar, they also protect the peonies against insect pests. Before you bring cuts indoors, dunk them in a bucket of water to rinse off the ants.

Plant 2–3' apart with eyes no more than 1–1½" below the surface in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade. Plants may take 3–5 years to establish before blooming, and are sensitive to disturbance during that time. Wait several years until the plants have many stems (therefore many eyes) before dividing.

Growing Garden Peonies

• Peonies prefer: full sun to part shade, and rich fertile well-drained soil.
• Recommended soil amendments: compost, bone meal, Azomite.
• After danger of frost, transplant 2–3' apart with the eyes no more than 1½" below the soil.
• Peonies require support to prevent heavy flowers from flopping.
• Autumn plant care: Cut back to just above ground level to allow a fresh start in spring. Amend soil with compost around the base of the plant.