PEONY PERFECTION

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Peony Perfection

At our recent meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall opened her presentation on peonies with a heartfelt childhood memory. She recalled how her mother would clip fresh peonies from the garden for Nancy and her siblings to bring to their teachers, a tradition that highlighted both the beauty and generosity associated with these timeless flowers. That personal story set the tone for an informative discussion about growing and caring for peonies successfully.

Nancy explained that although peonies are beloved by many gardeners, there are several common mistakes that can prevent them from thriving. First and foremost, peonies need plenty of sunlight — at least four hours of direct sun each day. Another common issue is planting them too deeply. Peony roots should be covered with no more than one inch of soil, as deeper planting can limit blooming. Proper soil conditions are equally important. Peonies prefer enriched, well-draining soil because overly wet conditions can damage roots and hinder growth.

She also shared several interesting facts about peonies, noting that these flowers have been cultivated for more than 3,800 years and come in countless cultivars and varieties. The three primary types are Herbaceous, Tree, and Intersectional peonies. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter, while Tree peonies develop permanent woody stems and produce especially large blooms. Intersectional peonies, often called Itoh hybrids, combine characteristics of both, with foliage similar to tree peonies but winter dieback like herbaceous varieties. Nancy added that tree peonies generally do not perform well in our area because their early blooms are often damaged by frost.
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Patience is also part of growing peonies successfully. Plants grown from seed may take seven years or longer to bloom, while those planted from roots usually flower within two to three years. Gardeners hoping for immediate blooms may want to splurge on a mature plant. Nancy emphasized that peonies dislike being moved once established. If an older plant no longer receives enough sunlight, she suggested purchasing a new plant rather than digging up and relocating the existing one. She also advised fertilizing peonies only when shoots are about six inches tall or again in the fall, using a super-bloom fertilizer. Finally, because the large blossoms can become quite heavy, she recommended using cages or supports to help keep the flowers upright and looking their best.