How to Grow Peony
by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener
Snippet: When is the best time to plant peonies? How deep do I plant peony roots? Do peonies need full sun? How long do peonies bloom? Common peony pests. Peony fragrance and size. Why is my peony not blooming? Best fertilizer for peonies. Do peonies need support?
Peonies are the undisputed queens of the spring garden, offering breathtakingly large, often intensely fragrant blooms that signal the true arrival of warmer weather in the mountains. These magnificent perennials are incredibly long-lived—often thriving for decades, sometimes even outlasting the gardener who planted them! Whether you're dreaming of classic, fluffy doubles like 'Double Dandy Pink Peony', elegant singles, or vibrant coral types, planting a peony is investing in generations of beauty. Their lush, dark green foliage remains attractive all season, providing a beautiful backdrop even after the spectacular blooms fade.
7 Helpful Tips on Growing Peonies
Watters Peony Collection online
Contrary to their delicate appearance, peonies are remarkably rugged and resilient plants, thriving with minimal fuss once properly established.
· Botanical Name - Paeonia
· Common Name - Peony, Garden Peony
· Plant Type - Herbaceous perennial (dies back to the ground in winter) or Itoh hybrid (intersectural)
· Mature Size - 2–4 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
· Sun Exposure - Full sun (at least 6-8+ hours)
· Soil Type - Well-drained, fertile, rich soil
· Soil pH - Neutral to slightly alkaline (tolerates slightly acidic)
· Bloom Time - Late spring to early summer
· Flower Color - White, pink, red, coral, yellow
· Hardiness Zones - 3 to 8 (some varieties to zone 9)
· Native Area - Asia, Southern Europe, and Western North America
How to Grow Peony Plants
Getting peonies off to a good start is the key to decades of success. Their primary needs are simple: plenty of sun and excellent drainage.
Light
Peonies are sun-lovers through and through. For the most abundant blooms and strong stems, plant them where they receive at least six, and preferably eight or more, hours of direct sunlight daily. While they will grow in partial shade, they will produce far fewer flowers and are more prone to fungal diseases.
Soil
These "heavy feeders" appreciate rich, fertile soil. Before planting, amend your soil deeply with quality organic matter like Watters Premium Mulch. However, the most critical factor is drainage. Peonies will absolutely rot and fail in heavy, soggy soil. Ensure the planting site drains quickly after rain or watering.
Water
New peony plants need regular, deep watering during their first one to two growing seasons to establish a robust root system. Once mature, peonies are surprisingly drought-tolerant. Deep, infrequent soakings during dry spells in late spring and summer are better than frequent light sprinklings. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Peonies are exceptionally cold-hardy, which is why they thrive in our mountain climate. They actually require a winter "chill" period to set their flower buds properly. Our typical mountain summers, which are not excessively humid, are also ideal, as high humidity can promote leaf diseases.
Fertilizer
For truly spectacular blooms and strong, healthy plants, feed your peonies regularly. Use Watters 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food, following the "Holiday Schedule":
· Easter
· Independence Day (July 4th)
· Halloween
This organic-based food builds strong roots and healthy growth rather than forcing fast,
weak growth.
Planting Depth
This is the most crucial step in peony planting! For herbaceous peonies, plant the thick tuberous roots (tubers) so the small reddish "eyes" (buds) are no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep is the #1 reason peonies fail to bloom. For Itoh hybrids, plant so the graft union is just at or slightly below the soil surface.
Support
Many popular peony varieties produce massive, heavy flower heads that can flop over, especially after spring rains. It’s highly recommended to provide support before they bloom. Simple wire "peony hoops" or grow-through supports are ideal and easily disappear into the foliage as the plant grows.
Common Pests & Diseases
Peonies are remarkably trouble-free. Ants are famously attracted to the sticky nectar on peony buds; they are harmless to the plant and do not cause the flowers to open. The main disease issue is botrytis blight (gray mold), which appears as dark spots or gray fuzz on leaves, stems, or buds, often during cool, wet springs. Plant in full sun with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
Peony Varieties
· Shirley Temple: A beloved heirloom variety with large, double white flowers flecked with red. Exceptionally fragrant and reliable.
· Sarah Bernhardt: Another classic double, producing massive, apple-blossom pink blooms that are perfect for cutting.
· Gordon E Simonson: An elegant anemone-form peony with bright pink outer petals surrounding a central cluster of creamy-yellow staminodes.
· Mock Orange Yellow (Itoh Hybrid): A stunning intersectional peony (hybrid between herbaceous and tree peony) with massive, fragrant yellow blooms and vigorous growth.
Landscaping
Peonies are truly versatile. Plant them in a traditional perennial border, where their foliage provides structure all season. They make an exceptionally low hedge along a walkway, offering fragrant greetings in spring. As a solitary specimen, a mature peony is a stunning focal point. Their exceptionally long bloom life also makes them a favorite for fresh-cut bouquets; just a few stems fill a room with beauty and fragrance.
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