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Like many of you, peonies are my favorite flower. What’s not to love? The blooms are huge, fluffy and they are great for cutting to take indoors. Nothing like having a fresh peony bouquet in the kitchen. My mom and sister both have the most beautiful peony bushes. I’ve brought my sister along for writing this article, because she is the one with all the tips! Keep reading to learn the tips and tricks for growing peonies.
First, A Little Peony Background
The peony is a flowering plant native to Asia, Europe and Western North America. Peonies are one of the most popular garden plants and are easily grown in zones 3-8. The peony blooms late Spring on into the early parts of Summer. Often times these blooms only last 7-10 days, but they make the perfect cut flower. There are currently 33 known species of peonies, ranging in different sizes and so many different colors. Peony blooms are stunning! Large, fluffy and often times boasting a beautiful fragrance. No wonder you find them in so many flower gardens.
“How do I grow these?” You ask. Here are the tips and tricks for growing peonies.
Peonies are actually pretty easy to grow. If you follow some easy steps and place them in the perfect spot, they’ll be established in no time and thriving for years to come!
- Pick a sunny spot! Peonies will thrive best in the sun.
- Peonies are great as a yard border or even planted in a bed with some Spring bulbs, like tulips. But, make sure you have plenty of space. Your peonies can grow 1-3 feet tall with a spread of the same length!
- Its is best to plant your peonies in the Fall. This will give you the best chance of seeing them bloom the following Spring! If you do choose to plant them in the Spring, it’s possible it could take them 2 years or so to produce their first blooms. The sooner the better right?
- Use Miracle Grow until your peonies are established, meaning they have been thriving for a while.
- Use a well drained soil. It is possible to plant them in planters, but they need to be large and a planter that is easily drained.
- Peonies don’t need to be overly watered but it is good to water them if they aren’t getting an occasional rainfall.
- Peonies are top heavy. If you want, use a plant support to help hold up you peonies.
- Once your peony has bloomed and the leaves start turning, cut the stems back. This will keep them pretty and fresh looking for the next bloom season.
- Peonies make great cut flowers – bring them inside, place them in water and near a window.
— Shop The Look —
My peonies have ants! Is this normal?
YES! Peonies do not need ants to flourish. But, you will most likely have ants on your peonies – and quite a few of them. Peonies provide a food for the ants while the ants return the favor of protecting them from other insects! So, if you are wanting to cut your flowers to bring them in, just shake off the ants or even lightly spray water on your peonies to fish them out. If you are enjoying your peonies outside, just let them be. Without the ants, other insects could come in and destroy your peonies. We definitely don’t want that to happen!
Save This Post!
Save this post so when Fall rolls around, you can come back to it for these tips and tricks for growing your peonies. Do you have peonies or have your own tips? We’d love to know! Tell us in the comments.
Come follow For The Love of Home on Instagram so you never miss a photo! Is planting flowers and being outside part of your self-care style? Awesome! Head over to the article, “13 Self-Care Tips For Busy Moms” for some other self-care ideas!
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