How to Grow Peony Plants

How to Grow Peony Plants

Paeoniaceae

Thick, lush foliage and big, bright, showy flowers—these are the hallmarks of peonies. Add "popular" to the list, because these perennials are beloved by home gardeners everywhere. Peonies grow quickly and produce colorful, showy blooms from late spring to early summer.

Peonies have roots in two regions: common peonies originated in southern Europe, while Chinese peonies (including tree peonies) hail from China. Chinese varieties feature double blooms and stronger fragrance than their European cousins. Colors range from white, red, crimson, yellow, to rose.

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Plant Propagation

Peonies are grown from roots that develop "eyes"—each eye grows into a new plant. When transplanting roots from an existing plant, ensure each division has at least a couple of eyes.

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How to Grow Peony Plants

Peonies thrive in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Amend the planting area with plenty of compost and well-rotted manure before planting, and repeat each fall.

Plant roots with eyes 1–2 inches deep. Space plants a minimum of 24–36 inches apart. Plants reach full height quickly and bloom spring through late fall. Water during drought periods. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer a couple of times per year, switching to a high-phosphorus formula about two weeks before blooming.

Peonies form thick, lush plants. If they become too bushy, thin them to improve air circulation—this helps prevent diseases that thrive in dark, humid conditions within dense foliage.

The profusion of leaves and flowers can cause plants to flop. Support them with garden stakes or hoops.

In fall, trim plants back. If disease occurred, cut to the ground and dispose of diseased material. Add mulch in fall where snow cover is minimal.

After a few years, root clumps may become too thick, leading to smaller blooms. Dig up and remove some roots—your gardening friends will appreciate the divisions!

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Insect and Disease

Peonies have few insect problems. Ants are common on flower buds, attracted to the sweet nectar—they don't harm the plant.

Diseases include blights, leaf and stem spots, wilts, molds, and viruses. Treat early with fungicide; better yet, apply preventatively early in the season and repeat per label instructions.

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Medicinal Uses

Ancient Chinese medicine used peony roots for fever, muscle cramps, liver ailments, atherosclerosis, hepatitis, and PMS. However, peonies are listed as poisonous plants—exercise caution.

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