Peony Plants (Paeonia): Plant Care and Growing Guide – House Plants Expert

Bring color and beauty to your peony garden with this detailed guide on planting, growing, and caring for peonies flowers. Whether you want peony bushes, trees, or bouquets of white, pink, or red peonies, learn everything you need to know!

Peonies are eye-catching flowers often used to create stunning bouquets, but many don’t know they can add color and beauty to your garden. From choosing the right type to planting, growing, and caring for your peonies, this guide will provide you with all the essentials to get the most out of these petal-packed plants!

Origin of Peonies

Peony is an ancient flower cultivated in China since 1000 BC, so some call it the Chinese peony. Its flower has been the official floral symbol of China since 1914. In Greek mythology, the peony flower is associated with Paeon, a physician to the gods who were saved from the wrath of Zeus by turning him into a beautiful flower. The peony symbolizes beauty, good fortune, compassion, and prosperity. Peonies are popular for cutting gardens because they bloom for four to six weeks in spring and summer. Peonies require very little maintenance and can live up to 100 years. 

The root is edible and has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. Peonies can be grown from seed, but it can take up to three years or more for them to bloom. A single peony bush can have over 40 flowers on it. For an extra burst of color, mix other perennials amongst the peonies. Stake tall varieties to help support the flowers. Don’t cut peonies too short, as this can reduce their flowering potential.

Planting Peonies

When first planting peonies, picking the right spot in your garden is important. Make sure that you choose a spot with full sun and light soil. Plant the roots approximately two inches under the soil – any deeper, and they won’t flower! 

Peonies are very hardy plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance once they are established. One way to help them thrive is to add a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant in the fall to help protect the roots during cold winters. 

Water them deeply during dry spells and fertilize them every spring. It is also important to prune peonies that become overgrown or develop dead or diseased foliage. To do this, cut back any stems that have reached the desired height or width. Remove the flower heads to prevent seed dispersal and conserve energy. Make all cuts at a 45-degree angle above a leaf node or bud. Prune peonies in late fall, after they finish blooming, and in early spring.

Caring Peonies

Peonies need to be carefully monitored for disease or insects. Keep an eye out for aphids and other pests feeding on the plants. You can also check for fungal infections like powdery mildew. If you spot any issues, taking care of them as soon as possible is important.

Watering

Proper care ensures that your peony plants grow and bloom beautifully and thrive in your garden for many years. Ensure you water your plants weekly to keep the soil moist – about two inches of water should suffice. 

Fertilizing

Additionally, fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer at least once a year and provide additional nutrient-rich compost for more robust health. Lastly, prune any diseased or dead stems in late fall or early spring to encourage more blooms throughout the season.

Types of Peonies

There are several types of peony flowers, each offering a unique look to your garden. There are various peonies, including tree, bush, and herbaceous peonies. 

Herbaceous peonies are usually found in gardens and have smaller, delicate blooms which bloom in the springtime, while the tree peony varieties bloom in the summertime. Each type of peony has its bloom season, ranging from late spring to early summer. These qualities make them popular among gardeners looking to add beauty to their gardens.

Color Varieties of Peonies

There are wide varieties to choose from regarding the color of peonies. For example, the white peony is often used in bouquets due to its delicate and subtle appearance. Pink peonies come in various shades, including blush pink and deep pink. Red peonies are rich and bright and feature vibrant petals that make any garden look alive with color.

All three colors can be found as herbaceous and tree forms, so you’re sure to find something that fits your garden vision. You can even find multi-colored varieties, such as pink and white striped. 

Cutting Flowers of Peonies

Peonies are the perfect contender for a beautiful bouquet due to their large blooms and long vase life. To keep your peonies looking fresh in the vase, begin with fresh cut stems with at least 4-5 buds. Next, remove the foliage from the flowers once you get them home so that only the stems are left in water. 

Make sure to change the water daily, as dirty water can cause unwanted bacteria to grow. Also, be sure to trim a minimum of 1 inch off of each stem so they can properly absorb water. This will ensure that the blooms have a longer lifespan and won’t wilt quickly, and you will remain with a beautiful peony bouquet.

Potential Problem of Peonies

Many gardeners are perplexed why don’t their peonies bloom. The following are the most frequently used explanations, it is too deeply embedded. There is insufficient sunlight. Also, your plants are in high-nitrogen soil and are still young.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.