Everything about Peonies

Peony

Common Name: Peony, Tree Peony

Latin Name: Paeonia suffruticosa

Family: Paeoniaceae

Plant Time: -

Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide

Sun Preference: Full sun, to partial sun

Soil Preference: Loamy soil with Neutral to Alkaline pH levels

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Red, Purple, White, Yellow

Native Area: Asia

Toxicity: Non-toxic (but not edible)

Growth Rate: -

Wildlife Value: -

Table of Contents

Peonies are some of the most gorgeous and eye-catching flowers you can grow in a garden. Known for their large, colorful blooms and sweet fragrance, peonies have been adored for centuries, especially in China, where they (king of flowers) symbolize honor and wealth. They’re a favorite among flower lovers because they’re not only beautiful but also quite hardy and long-lasting.

Growing peonies can be a little tricky at first, but with some patience, you’ll have an incredible display of blooms year after year.

Care

  • Water: Peonies like their soil to be moist but not soaked. Water them regularly, but let the top inch of the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
  • Light: Peonies love the sun! They need at least six hours of sunlight a day to bloom their best. A little shade in the hottest part of the day is also needed for long-lasting blooms, especially in hotter climates.
  • Soil: Peonies prefer well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil. A mix that’s rich in organic matter, like compost, will help them grow strong. If your soil is too heavy, adding some sand can improve drainage.
  • Temperature: Peonies thrive in cool to moderate climates. They like colder winters because they need the chill to help them bloom in the spring. Peonies can handle humid conditions, but good airflow around the plants helps prevent diseases. They grow best in Hardiness zones 3-8.

Planting & Growing

Peonies can be planted in the fall or spring, but fall is usually better because it gives the plant time to settle in before the growing season. When planting peonies, place the root (or “tuber”) in a hole about 2 inches deep and space them 3 to 4 feet apart so they have room to spread out. Peonies take a couple of years to fully bloom, but the wait is worth it!

For more tips, check out our Companion Planting Guide for Peonies!

Pruning

Pruning peonies isn’t a must, but it helps keep them healthy and looking great. For herbaceous peonies, prune in the fall, while tree peonies should be trimmed in the spring. Be gentle when pruning to avoid damaging the plant. Only remove dead or diseased parts, and don’t cut too early in the season. With the right care, your peonies will thrive!

Common Pests

  • Aphids: These tiny bugs can be a pain, but a quick spray of water usually knocks them off.
  • Ants: You’ll often see ants on peonies, but don’t worry—they’re not harmful! In fact, they help by feeding on the sticky nectar on the buds.
  • Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the buds to turn brown and die. To avoid it, make sure your plants have good air circulation and don’t stay too wet. You can treat it using fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do peonies grow best?

Peonies thrive in USDA zones 2-8 and need well-drained soil. They prefer full sun but can do fine with half a day of sunlight.

Do peonies like full sun or shade?

Peonies love full sun, but some types can handle a bit of shade. Too much shade, however, can reduce blooming.

Do you cut back peonies after they bloom?

You can leave peonies untrimmed, but the old leaves will look messy in winter. Trimming them helps prevent fungal issues and keeps the plant healthy.

Can peonies grow in pots?

Peonies can grow in pots, but avoid peat-based compost and don’t overwater. After a few years, it’s best to move them to a garden for better growth.

Planting calendar

We provide a planting scheduling tool for maximizing yield! Find your USDA zone by your city or zipcode!

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