Peonies are my favorite flower. I have planted them at every home I have ever owned. Here are a few things I have learned about them along the way…
- Peonies don’t like to compete for food. Give them plenty of space from neighboring plants and trees.
- Peonies typically grow 1 to 3 feet high, same with width. They can grow larger, up to 5 feet high by year 10.
- Peonies like lots of sun and will not flower without it. Atleast 5 to 6 hours of sun per day.
- Peonies don’t like to be moved. Pick your spot wisely and leave them alone. (This is because they have deep roots.)
- Peonies typically bloom late Spring to early Summer.
- Peony bushes typically cost 25 to 60 dollars each (depending on the size). You can buy peony roots online, roughly 5 roots for 22 dollars. They most likely won’t flower the first year but this is a way to add a lot of peonies to your landscaping for very little financial investment. Link to my favorite… https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXYI894/
- Peonies are typically planted in the Fall. You can plant them in Spring but know they most likely won’t flower for the first 2 years. I have done this before when I didn’t mind the wait.
- Peonies grow really well in the western part of the United States.
- Peonies are perennials which means they come back year after year.
- In the Fall, cut all of the peony stems roughly 4 to 6 inches above the ground to get them ready for the next year. Don’t panic if you cut them too short. I have cut mine 2 inches above ground and they came back just fine.
- Peonies don’t need to be divided. You can divide them if you really want to get more flowers from one plant but I would personally just buy more roots since they are so inexpensive and I wouldn’t want to risk damaging the plant.
- Peonies don’t like to be overwatered. Don’t put them in locations that always seem to be moist either as they like to be well drained. They grow very well on slopes or raised beds because this prevents the peonies roots from being in standing water.
- Peonies like to be left alone and can live up to 100 years.
- Peonies secrete a sweet nectar that attracts ants. I recommend not spraying the ants. Know that they won’t hurt the plant, but rather, they protect it from other pests. Just be aware that for this reason, I don’t plant them next to patios.
- Peonies don’t like acidic soil. Soil ph should be alkaline to neutral. Compost can help with this.
- Peonies are deer resistant.
- Once cut, peonies last about a week in a vase.
- Peonies are said to symbolize a happy life and happy marriage.
- Peony petals are edible and can be added to salads or as a garnish to drinks.
Happy planting!
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