How to plant peonies

How to plant peonies – step by step guide

Peonies are one of the favorite plants in ornamental gardening, as their beauty has gained popularity comparable to that of roses, especially during the spring. The spectacular colors and diversity of species spread mainly in the northern hemisphere, making peonies a flower much sought after in florists and nurseries.

Peonies are perennial plants. They require a stable site for their development. For this reason, we bring you an elementary guide to follow so that you can learn to plant these flowers in your garden without problems. Enjoy a colorful and fresh garden thanks to this article on how to plant peonies.

How to plant peonies?

The seeds of peonies require fertile soil where other peonies have not been previously planted. Neither can you forget excellent drainage, as this will facilitate its cultivation. Next, you will learn step by step how to plant this beautiful plant:

Time to plant peonies: The best time of the year to plant peonies is at the beginning of fall because this way it will develop with greater urgency, blooming in spring once the winter cold finishes. Keep reading how to germinate seeds.

Lighting and drainage: As we have anticipated, you must choose a place with excellent lighting and drainage, since peonies should preferably remain between 4 and 6 hours a day exposed to sunlight, with the morning sun being the most recommended for its development.

Plant the seeds of peonies: To start, place the peonies seeds separated to a meter and a half away. This will facilitate root growth and improve oxygen circulation and poor weed pruning. Plant the seeds of peonies at a depth of 5 cm in the case of herbaceous peonies or 15 cm in the case of a shrub peony. The latter needs a greater extent since they grow in the form of woody stem shrubs.

Watch the distance of the buds: Leave the cocoons of the plant about 5 cm away from the surface so it can grow properly. In turn, it adds dirt around it, eliminating any holes formed by air pockets that can dry the newly planted roots.

Water the peonies: Generously water the planted tubers and make sure to keep the soil moist (not soaked) until the pre-winter frosts begin.

Protect your peonies from the cold: At the beginning of winter, you should cover the peonies with plastic mulch to protect them from the cold. Keep in mind, also, that during the winter the risks are suspended.

How to plant peonies

Plant potted peonies

If you choose to plant the potted peonies, you should follow slightly different instructions from the previous ones. Follow this step by step:

Choosing the pot: If you are wondering how to plant potted peonies, you must be clear that you will have to choose a large bowl, with an average height of 15 inches and with enough lower drainage holes.

Prepare the fertilizer: The next step is to prepare a compost composed of hard compost, fertilizer (1/4 cup) and some lime to improve the pH of the soil (peonies require fertile and acid soils for their development).

Plant the seeds: For this step, place the seeds of peonies at a distance of 5 cm from the surface. Perform planting, preferably during the fall.

Irrigation: You must water the flowerpot generously once the seeds are planted. Then, water at least twice a week until winter begins.

Where to keep the pot: For your peonies to develop correctly, keep the container in a calm and shady place, with sun exposure between three and four hours a day. During the winter, it is essential that you conserve the plant in a room protected from low temperatures.

Use of fertilizers: When spring begins, fertilize the plant with a low nitrogen mixture, as this will favor flowering. When the spring is over, feed your plant again.

Take care of peonies

Take care of peonies

Peonies are perennial plants, very resistant to cold and heat, but never to extreme levels. Although they do not require too much attention to their conservation, they do need some necessary conditions for their development. Among them are:

Moderately water your peonies: Especially during the summer. With two waterings per week of about 8 milliliters of water each, it will be enough to keep your peonies well hydrated.

Use fertilizers low in nitrogen: apply the compost around the plant once a year.

Remove the dead flowers regularly: This way, you can guarantee the development of healthy seed shoots.

Pruning in autumn: Both with the herbaceous peonies and with the shrubby peony, pruning should be done in autumn. Although the roots of peonies are perennial, remember that the plant blooms in spring and, at the end of that season, the flowers dry.

Types of peonies

There are two main types of peonies, the arboreal peonies, and the herbaceous peonies. Next, we will review its main characteristics, and we will show you, also, other types of peonies very popular in today’s gardens:

Herbaceous peonies

The herbaceous peonies measure between 40 and 50 centimeters high and have double (or semi-double) petal petals, which represents their main attraction. They bloom during the spring, but in winter they disappear to the roots. A curious fact of the peonies is that they are one of the plants that bring better luck according to Feng Shui; Another reason to learn how to plant peonies at home.

Shrubby peonies

Shrubby peonies are distinguished by growing in the form of a medium-sized shrub 1.5 meters tall. Its flower, in comparison with herbaceous peonies, is much simpler and becomes more. You can identify the herb in question by its yellow stamens and by a reddish pistil in the center of the petals. Although the flowers disappear completely in autumn, the shrub of these peonies remains intact.

Peony flower

The peony flower is known as “the flower of love,” originally from China. Evergreen, the flower shows all its beauty in spring, the season in which performs its life cycle. The most common are red and pink, although there are also yellow and white. Currently, there are some 40 scientifically accepted species of peonies in the world.

White peonies

Its spectacular pearly white petals distinguish this type of tree peonies. The best known is Paeonia rockii (peony of rocks), originally from western China. It is one of the most sought after peonies in gardening due to its extraordinary beauty because, also, they are the favorite of many brides to decorate their bouquet.

Wild Peonies

Scientifically known as Paeonia brother, wild peonies measure about 70 cm on average and are herbaceous peonies, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. You can identify their red flowers because they are simple and hermaphroditic.

About the author

Damon Stevenson

Damon Stevenson

Hi, I'm Damon Stevenson, a home design blogger and father of two. I love sharing my tips and tricks for creating a stylish and functional home on my blog. I hope you'll find inspiration here!

View all posts