Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
Other names: Garden peony, Chinese peony
Garden peonies produce huge, often scented blooms in late spring and early summer above glossy, deep green foliage. A well-sited plant can flower for 50 years or longer without being moved. Planting at the correct depth is the single most important step.
How to grow peony
Light
Give six or more hours of sun. In hot-summer regions, light afternoon shade helps the flowers last.
Watering
Water deeply once a week in dry weather, particularly in spring while buds form and in late summer when next year's buds develop.
Soil and feeding
Plant in soil improved with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which produces leaves at the expense of flowers. Apply a low-nitrogen feed after flowering.
Planting and pruning
Plant bare roots in fall with the pink buds, called eyes, no more than 2 in (5 cm) below the surface. Fit a support ring in early spring. Deadhead after flowering and cut all stems to the ground in fall.
Propagation
Divide only when necessary, in early fall. Cut the crown into pieces with three to five eyes each. Divisions take two to three years to flower well.
Common problems
- Healthy leaves but no flowers
- The crown is planted too deep, the site is too shady, or the plant is young or recently moved. Lift and replant at the correct depth in fall.
- Buds turn brown and fail to open
- Botrytis blight. Remove affected parts, clear all foliage in fall and improve air flow.
- Flowers flop to the ground
- Heavy double blooms need a support ring, especially after rain.
Questions about peony
Do ants harm peony buds?
No. Ants feed on the sugary nectar on the buds and do not damage them. The buds open with or without ants.
How deep should I plant peonies?
Set the eyes 1 to 2 in (2.5–5 cm) below the soil surface. In warm climates, plant at 1 in. Deeper planting is the main reason peonies fail to bloom.
Plant details
| Botanical name | Paeonia lactiflora |
|---|---|
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Native range | Central and eastern Asia |
| Plant type | Perennials. Herbaceous perennial |
| Soil | Deep, fertile, well-drained soil |
| Flower color | Pink, white, red |
- Fragrant
- Good cut flower
- Deer resistant
