Peonies are a gorgeous perennial that come back year after year. You can find flowers that smell like roses, that smell lemony, or that have no smell at all. There are also six different kinds to choose from: single, anemone, semi-double, Japanese, double, and bomb.
These delicious flowers are also able to grow from hardiness zone 3 all the way to zone 8. They even love freezing cold winters. Actually, they need them. If this little flower sounds good to you, stay tuned on how to plant peonies near your wooden shed or a log cabin!
When to Plant Peonies
The best time to plant these lovely large flowers is the fall. In fact, late fall would be best. We recommend September and October for those with 4 seasons. Anyone living in a more southern area should wait a few months later.
If you want to be more precise, you should plant them around 6 weeks before the first ground freeze. To find out this date, check out the Farmer’s Almanac for the date of the first frost in your area.
Those that must plant in the spring should be aware of the fact that these Peonies will lag a year behind the rest.
Where to Plant Peonies
To grow beautiful large peonies, you must plant them in at least 6 hours of sun a day. However, don’t give them too much. We recommend there be a couple of hours of at least partial shade per day. This goes double if you live in a southern area with a stronger sun and hotter temperatures.
There is a variety called white wings that will tolerate partial shade. Make sure you look carefully at the seeds or roots you are planting to make sure they will grow. Not enough sun and the peony may live, but it won’t be healthy.
Plant this flora in an area that won’t be disturbed regularly. This means keeping it away from areas where you like to plant your annuals. Definitely do not plan on moving them after they lay down roots. This flower needs stability.
Additionally, keep them sheltered from strong winds. They should also be positioned at least 3 to 4 feet apart from other plants. This includes when they are fully grown! Remember that when you are planting them as bulbs or seeds.
How to Prepare the Soil
Peonies like to be put in soil that is fertile, moist, rich in humus, and well-draining. However, these flowers are fighters and are highly adaptable. Unfortunately, you won’t get as large of blooms if the plants aren’t in their optimal environment. The soil pH should either be neutral or slightly acidic at 6.5 to 7.
If you have soil that is sandy or has clay, you will need to amend it. The best kind of soil for Peonies is the same as for rhododendrons and azaleas. Go ahead and mix them together. In fact, the soil is extremely important since these plants can grow in the same place for 100 years!
What Part to Plant
There are a few different ways to plant peonies. You can either choose seeds or you can choose bare-root tubers. These will have 3 to 5 eye buds and are actually parts of a 3 to 4 year old plant. In fact, they look a lot like potato tubers. The reason there have to be 3 eye buds at least is to keep them strong and sturdy when they are underground.
How to Plant Peonies
Peonies should not be planted deeply in the soil. In fact, they should only be between 2 to 3 inches below the ground. Some people say no less than 2.5 centimeters below the ground.
If you plant them too deep, the flowers will not grow but the foliage will. If you notice that your peonies aren’t blooming, wait until the fall and re-plant it at a more shallow depth.
Make sure to dig your hole wide enough to spread out all of the roots. Mound up the soil in the middle, sit the tube-root on top, and spread out the roots so they aren’t cramped. The eye needs to be facing upwards. If not, the plant will use its energy to turn its eyes to the top.
Now, backfill the hole carefully. Tamp it down gently when it is completely full. Water thoroughly.
Note: If you are planting from a container, do not cover the roots any deeper than they were in the pot.
Adding Compost
Sometimes, while you are planting, you will want to add compost if your soil isn’t nutrient rich. The best way to test this is a soil kit, but it’s not a bad idea as peonies will be in the same place for years.
This step should be done before you plant the flower tube roots. Dig a hole 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep. Now, add a mix of compost and fresh manure. Chicken or cow manure is fine. Fill the hole up and in until it is the right depth and length for the plant.
Mulch Rule
Make sure to avoid mulching over where you planted your perennial. It really needs to experience the cold chill of the winter above. If need be, go ahead and mark the place where the eyes are buried.
Peony Aftercare
As mentioned previously, these flowers do not need much aftercare. In fact, as long as the plant is receiving enough sun and water they will do fine. It is recommended that you do not fertilize. If you must, do it every 3 or 4 years. If you must apply bonemeal, rotted manure, or compost do it in the summertime.
Sometimes, you will need to help the stems. Since the blossoms are so large, the stems may have a difficult time holding them. Consider purchasing a tomato or other ringed wire cage to help support the plant as it grows.
Finally, deadhead these flowers as soon as they fade. This will prevent diseases over the winter.
