How to Care for Peonies

Few flowers match the beauty and size of the peony. These wonderful flowers bring a profusion of color in late spring and early summer. They range in color from white and yellow to shades of pink and red. Once established, these showy plants will return bigger and better each year. Its not uncommon for the offspring of a peony to last for generations as it is handed from mother to daughter when the original is divided.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden tools

1. Choose a location for the peony that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Use caution when planting near trees or buildings that may cast a shadow on the peony during the day. For the biggest and brightest flowers, a peony needs plenty of sunshine.

2. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Peonies like rich well drained soil that is free of rocks and other debris. Rake the area with a garden rake to remove rocks and weeds.

3. Add plenty of well composted manure or compost from the compost bin. Mix it in thoroughly with the existing soil.

4. Plant roots to a depth of 2 inches. Be sure the root you plant has at least two "eyes." Cover with loose soil and firm down with your hands.

5. Space additional plants at least 2 to 3 feet away. Peonies are fast growers and take up a lot of room at maturity.

6. Water your new planting thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist until you begin to see new growth. Water whenever the soil becomes dry and always provide water during hot dry spells.

7. Add all purpose fertilizer twice a year. Two week prior to blooming (or when you see the first buds) feed the peony plants with a fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote flower development and large colorful blooms.

8. Provide plant stakes or rings to keep your peonies from falling over in the wind or during severe weather. These lush plants become heavy once they have bloomed and require support.

9. Trim out a few of the center stems if the plants becomes too full. This will increase air circulation and prevent disease.

10. Cut back part way in the fall and cover with several inches of mulch to protect it from severe winter temperatures.

11. Propagate new plants when your peony becomes too full and begins to produce smaller flowers. This should be done in the fall. Cut the plant back to the ground and lift the roots with a spade. Separate root sections, being sure each has at least two "eyes." Plant the sections to create new plants.