Guide for generating radiant peony blooms in early summer for eye-catching displays
Gear up to welcome summer in style with these fabulous peonies - the epitome of summer blooms! Whether you're into herbaceous or tree peonies, we've got you covered with expert advice from the likes of Claire Austin and Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall. And if you're looking for some diversity, don't forget to check out our piece on intersectional peonies!
A Simple Guide to Peony Cultivation
Perfect Soil for Your Peonies:
Peonies aren't too choosy about the soil they call home, as long as it drains well, but they do enjoy slightly alkaline soil. Add some lime to acidic soil when planting, and in light soil, top it off with well-rotted organic matter for some extra moisture retention. Remember to mulch away from the central crown to avoid scorching the buds.
Set the Stage for Peonies:
Dig a cozy hole (30cm deep) before mixing some well-rotted manure or compost and a handful of bone meal or general fertiliser. If you're planning a whole group of peonies, space them about 75cm apart, and make sure to plant them no deeper than 2.5cm below the soil surface, ensuring the buds are clearly visible.
The Perfect Spot for Your Peonies:
Peonies thrive in full sun, but they can also flourish in light shade, with the added benefit of longer-lasting flowers. For single peonies, James Kelway suggests a bit more shade might do them good, while doubles might prefer full sun.
Get Fresh Peonies Delivered:
Most suppliers send out bare root peonies between October and March, each root having at least three buds. To keep the roots fresh, store them in a cold, dark place, in moist potting compost for a few weeks.
Staking Your Peonies:
Once your peonies bloom, they can become top-heavy, especially in exposed areas or wet weather. Taller cultivars will need staking, while plants like 'Buckeye Belle', 'Crimson Glory', 'Magic Orb', and 'Shirley Temple' generally don't require support. Support taller cultivars when the stems are around 15cm high.
Want more on peony supports? Check out how to support peonies or watch Troy Scott Smith craft his own peony supports using hazel.
Nurturing Your Peonies:
In autumn, cut down dead peony foliage and clear it away. Every three years, feed your peonies in spring with bone meal or general fertiliser, and provide them with a light mulch of well-rotted manure or compost around the base.
Dividing Peonies:
Peonies don't mind being moved, especially if they haven't been divided for a while. If you want to split plants, do so during dormancy (from late October to the end of January) and make sure each division has at least three buds.
Pests and Diseases:
While peonies are generally robust, they can fall victim to Botrytis (peonies wilt) and Cladosporium, which cause rotting stems and black leaves. Prevent these fungal diseases by maintaining good airflow around the peonies, avoiding overcrowding with other plants, and promptly disposing of infected parts.
Plant and Peony Lovers’ Resources:
- Places to Buy: Binny Plants, Claire Austin Hardy Plants, Kelways, Primrose Hall Peonies
- Places to See: National Collections of peonies throughout the UK
- Expert Knowledge: Plant Heritage website (www.nccpg.com) or call 01483 447540 for more details on National Collections
- To create a picturesque home-and-garden landscape, consider cultivating peonies in your gardens, as these flowers are a perfect addition to any lifestyle.
- Whether you're planting peonies in the soil of your backyard or in pots for your home, be sure to follow our guide for their care, as these plants enjoy slightly alkaline soil and full sun or light shade.
- For any home-and-garden enthusiast, there's nothing more rewarding than nurturing peonies – the epitome of summer blooms – and enjoying their beauty in various gardens and landscapes.
