Did you know peonies have been loved for over 2,000 years and were once believed to ward off evil spirits? Not only gorgeous, fluffy blooms, but peonies are also super easy to grow.
I’ll show you how to grow peony flowers, as well as how to care for and cut them like a pro in this article.
3 Easy-to-grow Types of Peonies
Peonies come in a few different types. Here are 3 of my favorites you can start with:
Herbaceous Peonies
You can see these classic peonies in old country gardens. They appear in the spring and die back in the winter. Herbaceous peonies bloom in large and stunning flowers and they can last for 2 weeks.
Tree Peonies
Tree peonies retain their woody stems throughout the year, in contrast to herbaceous ones. They gradually develop into little shrubs that are 5–6 feet tall. Their huge, exquisite flowers bloom for 2 weeks.
Itoh Peonies
Itoh peonies are a perfect mix of tree and herbaceous peonies. They die in winter but bloom profusely in spring. Even better, they come in a variety of stunning colors and have a longer bloom time of 3-4 weeks. They also look great as cut flowers!
How To Grow Peony Right At Home
If you want to see those gorgeous peonies blooming in your backyard, start by finding a perfect spot for them.
The Best Place to Plant Peonies
With the right place, peony flowers can thrive in your gardens or pots.
| – Growing Zone: They grow best in USDA zones 3 to 9. Peonies grow better in chilly winters. – Sunny Location: Keep peonies in a place with at least half a day of full sun. In very hot areas, a little afternoon shade is also great. – Soil Type: Pick well-drained and fertile soil. Peonies can also grow well in clay soil, just like heavy soil on your farm. |
When To Grow Peonies
Picking the right growing time is very important. Here’s when you should place them on the ground.
| – Best Time to Plant: Fall is the ideal time to grow bare-root peonies. This helps them bloom great next spring. – Planting in Other Seasons: Peonies will still grow, but they won’t develop as strongly as they do in fall. – Best Time for Potted Peonies: Good news – You can plant them any time. Just make sure to place it in a sunny spot with enough water. |
How To Plant Peonies
Planting peonies is very easy. Here’s how you can do it:
- Dig a deep hole about 18 inches wide.
- Mix some organic compost to make the soil rich
- Place your flowers into the hole, then fill it with soil to the ground level. Do the same if you grow them in pots.
- Water generously after planting
| Pro tip: – Do not bury your peonies too deep. It might not bloom. – For bare-root peonies, lay the root horizontally and slightly downward in the hole. Keep tiny pinkish buds sit 1-2 inches below the soil surface. |
How To Care for Peonies
Below is a list of what to do to help your peonies grow well:
- Watering
Give your peonies a good soak if you first plant them. Keep watering every couple of weeks as they establish.
- Fertilizing
You don’t have to fertilize peonies. However, they will grow better if you give them organic fish compost.
- Deadheading
Cut off the faded flowers after they finish blooming.
- Garden Cleanup
In the fall, cut the stems and clear off all the leaves. Don’t throw peony leaves into your compost.
- Mulching
In fall, add a light layer of mulch to protect your peonies over winter. Then, clear it all when spring comes.
- Pruning (for tree peonies)
Get rid of all damaged or dead branches from the tree peonies in the spring. Don’t chop them down completely like herbaceous peonies. They need time to grow and bloom on their woody stems
Tips On Cutting Peony Flowers
Peonies are loved for their gorgeous beauty. They can last 7-10 days in a vase if you give them proper care and a good cut.
- The ideal time to cut peony flowers is when the buds are soft and squishy (like marshmallows)
- Cut the stems of peonies about 16 to 18 inches long
- Trim but leave some leaves so that your plants can stay healthy
| Pro tip: If you cut peonies while they’re still buds, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 months! They will bloom in a few hours if you cut a small piece off the bottom of the stem and submerge it in warm water. |
How Long Does It Take To Plant Peony Flowers?
It’s up to how you start to grow the peonies.
For bare-root peonies:
Typically, it takes 2-3 years to settle in and give beautiful flowers. By year 3 or 4, your peony will be big, healthy, and full of blooms.
For potted peonies:
The time will be shorter, especially if you pick one that’s already a few years old.
Last Words
And there you have it, “How to grow peony”. It’s a wonderful feeling to see those peonies blooming in your garden or brightening up your home space. So go ahead, get your hands dirty, and plant some peonies!
