How to Grow Peonies in California

Peony in full bloom

Peonies are prized all over the world for their huge, delicate blossoms and vibrant colors. Their bloom time is short, only about two weeks, but growing in masses or cut for a vase arrangement, peonies are just plain gorgeous. The herbaceous peony is a common variety that's easy to grow if you can meet its water and light requirements. In California, where winters are cool and brief, peonies are a bit of a challenge to raise.

Things You'll Need

• Peony roots
• Garden gloves
• Sharp knife
• Peat moss
• Plant stakes and ties

Instructions

1. Buy healthy peony rootstock in fall, for a spring bloom. Test it with your fingers to see that the roots are firm and that their tops have plenty of "eyes" to sprout new growth. You can also buy potted peonies that have foliage. Avoid buying peonies that are already in bloom. Choose varieties that are proven performers in California: Claire de Lune, Eventide or Festiva Maxima are good choices.

2. Choose a site for peony plantings that gets a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day, preferably with a bit of shade in the hottest midday hours. Check that the soil drains well. Amend it with one part peat to two parts soil if you find it's soggy, to prevent root rot. Avoid placing peonies near lawn sprinkling systems.

3. Plant peony roots so that their "eyes" (where new growth sprouts) are buried by no more than 1 inch of soil. Roots with eyes planted deeper than 1 inch will produce foliage but will not flower as well. Hold the root in place with one hand, and add water and soil as you go, until the root is settled in the proper position.

4. Plant more peonies, spacing them 3 feet apart and 3 feet from other plantings, as they'll need plenty of room to spread out. Watch the soil moisture as they grow, and keep them well-watered in dry California weather.

5. 

   Ants are an important part of a peony's blooming cycle.

   Allow ants to swarm the buds and eat the tough, green leaves that hold the flower. Without them, the buds will not open by themselves. Stake and tie peonies when they flower to keep them from flopping over and breaking their delicate stems.

6. Divide peonies at the root when they become overcrowded and stop blooming. If you've followed the planting steps correctly, this won't be necessary for 20 to 30 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider planting California's native peony, Paeonia californica. It isn't a showy as some variety but has a beauty and fragrance all its own.

References

• The American Peony Society: Herbaceous Peonies
• North Dakota State University: Popular Peonies
• Home & Garden Publications: Perfect Peonies

Resources

• Swenson Gardens: Peony Care
• California Gardens: Paeonia californica ~ California Peony
• Paeonia: The History of Peonies