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Peonies... Paeonia lactiflora
June 21, 1999
The herbaceous Peony has been cultivated in home gardens for over 600 years.
Considering the beauty of the flower and the longevity of the plants, it's
no wonder why they have long been a perennial favorite.
Peony clumps may survive for up to as long as 50 years, so it is advisable
to prepare the site very thoroughly before planting. Once they have
become established in the garden, they are reasonably free from maintenance
and problems.
Peonies grow best in cool climates, because they will only bloom well if they
experience a pronounced period of winter chilling. Peonies grow
and flower best in full sun, but will tolerate some light afternoon shade.
They are not overly fussy as to the soil, but they will definately benefit
from the addition of organic material and compost into
the planting hole when they are set into the garden. Other than that, they
need for good drainage and a soil pH which
is neutral (pH 7.0) or at the most, only slightly acidic. They should be
planted away from large trees or shrubs because they will have compete
for root space and nutrients, resulting in the size and the quantity of
the flowers being reduced. Peonies do not respond well to transplanting,
so choose your planting location carefully.
Planting Peonies
The best time to plant peonies is in early fall. (early September until
mid October are ideal) so they will have time to become established in
the soil before winter. Mature plants will reach a diameter of three feet
or more and so it is important to give them enough room to grow and develop.
The planting hole should be at least 18 inches deep and about 18 inches in
diameter. At the bottom of the hole, add a 4 inch layer of organic matter
such as compost, pine bark, or well-aged manure. A half cup of a good
plant food (10-6-4), bone meal or superphosphate should be mixed into
this layer. (You should avoid adding fertilizer to the soil that will be
in direct contact with the roots.) Fill the hole half way with a mix of
garden soil and compost, and then set the root division in place with the
eyes facing upward. Spread the roots outward and evenly. Water thoroughly.
Make certain that the eyes will be no deeper than two inches when the planting
is completed, or your Peony may fail to bloom. If potted peonies are being
planted, plant them at same level as they are growing in the pot. After the
division or plant is in place, work the soil in around the roots, finish filling
the hole, and then water again.
If root divisions are planted in the spring, they may not bloom for up
to two years. However, Peonies which are potted and already growing may bloom
for you the first year when planted early enough in the spring.
Caring for Peonies
Peonies should be fed in early spring and again halfway through the growing
season. Cultivate a half cup of low nitrogen fertilizer such as (5-10-10) into
the soil when the stems are about 2 or 3 inches high. Use care not to damage
the roots, and try to keep the fertilizer from direct contact with them.
Over-fertilizing, especially with a high nitrogen plant food, results in
weak stems and reduced flowering. Peonies are particularly partial to potash,
and will benefit from the incorporation of a couple cups of fireplace ash
into the soil in early spring.
During the dry summer months, Peonies require regular, deep watering. A spring
application of 2-4 inches of leafy, organic mulch will help to conserve the
soil moisture and at the same time keep the soil cool and control weeds. This
mulch must be removed and destroyed before winter and a new, fresh winter
mulch of loose straw or evergreen boughs added, to help control disease.
Larger flowers will be produced if the side buds on each stem are removed
as soon as they are visible. The terminal bud on each stem tip is left intact.
To prevent the flowers from breaking or bending over during a strong wind
or rain, provide a sturdy plant stake and tie the stem loosely to it with
garden twine or strips of cloth.
Remove the flowers as soon as they fade to prevent seed development, which
will use up needed food reserves, and effect next years bloom.
In the fall, after the foliage dies back, cut the stems back to three inches,
remove and destroy them.
Dividing Peonies
Peonies should only be transplanted or divided when it becomes absolutely
necessary. An established and productive plant may not need dividing for
ten to fifteen years or longer.
Carefully dig around and under the plant to avoid cutting off roots and remove
the clump from the hole. Remove all of the old foliage, and hose the dirt
from the root cluster. Carefully cut or pull apart the roots into sections,
making sure there at least 3 or 4 growth eyes in each new section. Trim away
any soft or damaged spots with a sharp, clean knife. Dust the cut surfaces
with a fungicide to discourage disease infection and rot. Replant into a newly
prepared area of the garden. (It is not a good idea to plant them in
the same place where they were previously growing.)
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