Peonies

A brief introduction

Peonies, are celebrated for their grand bloom and a wide array of colors. Its ability to return each year with the right care makes it a true classic. Their cultivation dates back over 2,000 years, Native to Asia and America, And brought to Europe around the 19th century and quickly turned into a loving addition, valued for its gorgeous appeal, and well-known presence in decorations, particularly at weddings.

Popular varieties

Itoh ~ These hybrids offer strong stems and large blooms. Itoh Peonies' long-lived flowering period is available in a wide range of colors, including rare hues like coral and orange.

Herbaceous ~ Renowned for its large flower. Comes in colors, such as pink, red, white, and yellow.

Tree Peonies ~ They have woody stems that stay throughout the year. They produce large, silky flowers in a broad spectrum of colors and often bloom earlier than herbaceous peonies.

Soil

Peonies thrive in nutrient-rich soil, and the addition of organic matter can greatly improve soil health. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of spring and again after the blooms fade, but avoid over-fertilizing to prevent overly tall, weak stems and reduced flowering.

Light

Peonies flourish best in locations that receive plenty of sunlight or partial shade. They prefer temperatures of 18 -25°C during the day, requiring around 3 weeks of 0°C a night to start blooming.

Watering

In the first year, water them regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not muddy, then water them abundantly and regularly. Keep the soil moist, Put a layer of mulch at the base to help keep it moist.  Keep the mulch away from the stems to avoid rot.

Care

 The ideal time to plant is in the fall, to allow its roots to be established before winter arrives. Planting depth is crucial, if planted too deeply, peonies might not flower properly. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming. In the fall, cut herbaceous to the ground, while tree peonies require only light pruning to remove dead or damaged branches.

Good for pollinators: No

Toxic to pets: Yes

Fragrant: Yes

Care difficulty: Easy