How to Properly Grow and Care for Peonies

 How to Grow Peonies
Once established peonies will flower abundantly for many years. Potted specimens can be purchased and planted in the spring but the best results will come from bareroot stock that is dug and shipped dormant in the fall. These roots should be planted immediately so that they can start to establish before the cold of winter sets in.
Peonies prefer full sun and you should give them at least six hours of uninterrupted bright daylight. Most soil types are fine but standing water can be problematic so be sure to find a spot that has good drainage.
Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root and amend the soil with a generous dose of wellrotted manure or compost and a phosphaterich fertilizer such as bonemeal. Pay special attention to planting depth if roots are planted too deeply they wont flower properly so nestle the roots just below the soil surface. These plants will grow large over time so space them at least 3 feet 1 m apart.

In the spring before the foliage has emerged topdress the soil with sprinkle of bonemeal and a light mulch of compost 2 inches 5 cm deep. This will feed the new growth during the coming season.
Doubleflowered types need extra staking to keep their flower heads supported under the weight of the massive blooms. Heavy spring rains can flatten a patch in a matter of minutes so be sure to provide support early on.
If needed in autumn divide any mature plants that have become crowded or arent producing well this will happen after 8 to 10 years. Once the foliage has died to the ground take a pitchfork loosen the soil around the plants and lift them out. Gently wash the roots clean of dirt so that their eyes small swollen red buds that will become next years flowering stems are visible then split the roots apart with a sharp knife. Make sure each root has at least 3 eyes attached and replant elsewhere in the garden.
The most problematic disease for peonies is called botrytis and its most common during wet spring weather. Proper plant spacing and good airflow will help but sanitation is the real key to prevention. Monitor plants during the spring for signs of disease including blackened burnedlooking leaves and remove any infected foliage. Botrytis spreads rapidly so be sure to toss the infected leaves in the garbage not the compost. In the autumn remove all dead foliage and instead of composting it throw it in the trash or onto the burn pile.
Favorite Peony Varieties
Peonies come in a beautiful rainbow of pastel colors and their flower forms vary from huge crinkled doubles to fringed singles and everything in between.
Bowl of Beauty
A unique variety with rosepink outer petals surrounding a fluffy creamcolored center.