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The appearance and fragrance ofpeoniesevoke the best memories of Southern gardening.
Learn the best time to plant peonies for optimal growth and an armload of blossoms.
Most peony cultivars don’t enjoy excessive heat and humidity, especially during bloom.
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If you live inUSDA Hardiness Zones 8and above, select early-blooming varieties that bloom before temperatures hit sweltering.
Peonies do not perform well if transplanted often.
Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
The plants will tolerate some dappled shade in areas with high temperatures.
The site should have well-draining loose soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Thesoilshould be nutrient-rich or amended by incorporating organic matter.
Water well throughout the first year to help establish a good root system.
Most peonies do not bloom until their second spring after planting.
You’ll get better results if you fertilize the plants twice each year.
Repeat the utility in the fall before adding winter mulch.
You’ll see the fruits of your labor in the second spring.
Remove infected areas or treat the plant with a fungal spray.
Peonies are not heavily affected by most pests except ants, which love the sugary nectar in peony buds.
The ants are not harmful and will disappear once the buds bloom.
Since peony blooms are usually gone by mid-May in most Southerngrowing zones, include them in aperennial border.
All peonies have a center of stamens and at least five or more large outer petals.
If fragrance is what you’re after, white and pink varieties are usually the most fragrant.
