How to Prepare Soil for Fern Peonies
Fern, or fernleaf, peonies have feathery, fern-like leaves, unlike the broad, solid leaves on most peony varieties. These peonies are also smaller than standard types and only reach up to about 20 inches tall at maturity. Fern peonies produce deep red flowers a week earlier in spring compared to other peony varieties. Like all peonies, fern peonies live and bloom for decades so they require a good location with healthy soil to support their long life. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Test the soil pH with a test kit prior to planting. Fern peonies require a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0 and pH is best altered prior to planting.
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Apply lime to the planting site if necessary. Use the amount of lime indicated by the pH test to bring the soil to the proper pH level.
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Spread 2 inches of compost or composted manure over the bed, on top the lime. Turn the lime and compost into the top 12 inches of soil with a spade.
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Fertilize the peony bed the spring following planting. Spread 2 lbs. of low-nitrogen 5-10-5 analysis fertilizer over 100 square feet of bed after growth begins. Water the bed after application to leech the fertilizer nutrients into the root zone.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant fern peonies in early fall for spring flowers. Early summer planted peonies are more prone to heat stress and won't bloom until the following year.
Fern peonies propagate poorly, making them more expensive than standard varieties.
