Peony
(Paeonia)
Peony "Raspberry Sorbet"
Hardy to Zone 5
Bloom Time - May
Colors - Red, pink, yellow, white, coral
Foliage - Large, basil, stemmed
Size - Average 3' x 3'.
Exposure - Full sun with afternoon shade
Culture - The planting site for a peony should be carefully planned because they do not like to be disturbed once planted. Dig a large hole (about 2'x2') and amend it well with compost or aged manure. Plant the peony roots so that the eyes (buds) are less than 2 inches below the soil surface. This is important! A peony planted too deep will not bloom. Peonies need a cold period to bloom well, and since our winters are usually mild, do not mulch heavily.
Peonies are among my favorite flowers so it goes without saying that they are not the most satisfying to grow. Actually, they are very easy to grow, but their bloom performance will depend on our weather. They need a good chilling period and our mild winters don't always provide that. When peonies do bloom, there always seems to be a heavy rainstorm that ruins the blooms. Staking is usually necessary to hold blooms up. If possible, choose a location where the plant will not be crowded by other plants.
Some peony varieties perform better in the South than others. Look for varieties that are advertised as such.
Return to Perennials and Annuals
Bloom Time - May
Colors - Red, pink, yellow, white, coral
Foliage - Large, basil, stemmed
Size - Average 3' x 3'.
Exposure - Full sun with afternoon shade
Culture - The planting site for a peony should be carefully planned because they do not like to be disturbed once planted. Dig a large hole (about 2'x2') and amend it well with compost or aged manure. Plant the peony roots so that the eyes (buds) are less than 2 inches below the soil surface. This is important! A peony planted too deep will not bloom. Peonies need a cold period to bloom well, and since our winters are usually mild, do not mulch heavily.
Peonies are among my favorite flowers so it goes without saying that they are not the most satisfying to grow. Actually, they are very easy to grow, but their bloom performance will depend on our weather. They need a good chilling period and our mild winters don't always provide that. When peonies do bloom, there always seems to be a heavy rainstorm that ruins the blooms. Staking is usually necessary to hold blooms up. If possible, choose a location where the plant will not be crowded by other plants.
Some peony varieties perform better in the South than others. Look for varieties that are advertised as such.
Return to Perennials and Annuals
"Scarlet O'Hara"
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"Karl Rosenfield"
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