HOW TO PLANT

Peonies are tough, beautiful and almost effortlessly grown. They do, however, give generous additional rewards for a few very simple ‘extra efforts’ by the gardener.

• Prepare the planting hole as large as possible; the peony will grow into it.

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• While not mandatory, mixing a few scoops of compost into the bottom of the hole will provide additional nutrients to help the peony get established.

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• Thoroughly mix in plenty (about ¼ cup) of phosphorus fertilizer (bone meal or super phosphate).

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• Mixing in a similar amount of ground limestone is also beneficial.

• Plant the crown (eyes) shallow; 1 to 2 inches deep at the most. They need to freeze during the winter to set good flower buds. 

• Position the heavy storage roots below the crown so they can be moist during the summer season. Don’t be concerned if some eyes point downward; just keep the majority of them within 1 inch of the surface. (Peonies that are planted too deep will not bloom.)

• Avoid sites that will have periods of standing water on the rootstock.

• Avoid mulch over the winter months.