Peonies are mostly hardy, long lived, easy to grow plants. The key to planting them is to not plant or mulch them too deeply, or they will not bloom, and give them full to partial sun. To help keep them from flopping under the weight of the blooms, staking or tying is pretty much necessary. Special racks are available for them to grow through for discrete support. |
Some people do not like to grow peonies because they draw ants. Ants are a necessary component to the flowers opening, so the buds secrete a sweet substance to attract them. I have never found ants to be a bigger nuisance because of having peonies; in fact, our biggest ant problems are no where near them. The fragrance of the blooms is more than enough reason to grow them. Peonies are easily propagated by division.
|
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’
Garden Peony hardy in zones 3-8 May-June bloom |
|
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Peter Brand’
Garden Peony hardy in zones 3-8 May-June bloom |
|
Paeonia officinallis ‘Rosea Plena’
Memorial Day Peony hardy in zones 3-8 April-May bloom |
|
Updated March 24, 2022.