Tree peonies

1. When to plant

   Plant tree peonies in the Fall (Autumn). At this time of the year when the plants are going into dormancy, peonies grow their roots in order to save nourishment for growth the following spring. A fall planting gives the plant enough time to gather strength for stem and bud growth. In spring, they will grow branches, stems, buds and leaves, but not roots.

2. Climatic requirements

   Tree peonies are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.

3. Selecting the site

   Choose a well-drained area. Tree peonies do not like ‘wet feet’. If your soil tends to become waterlogged, then plant them in a raised bed or spacious pot.

   Tree peonies prefer gentle sunlight. They do best in a semi-shady west-facing location (in the Northern Hemisphere), as the harsh afternoon sun may cause the flowers to wither too quickly during the blooming season.

   Space these peonies 5 foot (150 cm) apart. They should not be grown in competition with other large root systems. However, being deep rooted, they will happily accommodate shallow-rooted plants grown around their base.

4. Planting your tree peony

   Dig a hole 24 inches square (60 cm) and the same depth: Tree peonies require a deep hole in which their roots can reach down to secure good anchorage.

   Enrich the soil with humus (organic composted materials). A fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5) is ideal. If the pH is lower than this, you may add a little lime. Incorporate a cup of bonemeal into the soil mixture.

   At the base of the hole, build a soil cone to support the roots. Spread the roots across the cone. With one hand hold the plant and with the other hand fill the hole little by little, using prepared soil, hand-pressing to remove any air pockets and to stabilize the plant. The bud union should be about 3/4 of an inch (2 cm) below ground level. Firm the ground gently and water it thoroughly after filling the hole.

   In Spring and Summer, mulch your tree peony with wood chips or well composted material placed at a depth of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) around the stem. This will conserve moisture, keep the roots cool and discourage weeds.

   Storing bare-root Chinese tree peonies:

   Our tree peonies come in bare-root form and should be planted as soon as possible upon arrival. However, if you need to store a peony for a few days, it should be kept cool and damp in a moisture retaining pack such as sawdust or peat moss.

5. Caring and maintenance of the tree peony

   Watering:

   Tree peonies require little watering under normal conditions. Avoid excessive watering which may drown the roots and kill the plants. During March and April when they are growing and blooming, make sure they receive plenty of water if your weather conditions are dry. Once established, tree peonies are very drought-resistant.

   Fertilization:

   Tree peonies prefer rich, fertile soil. Fertilizer them in the early spring, or after the flowers wither. Use a fully rotted organic fertilizer, as well as a complete (balanced) chemical fertilizer low in nitrogen. After the tree peony has finished blooming, deadhead the plant (remove the spent flowers) to avoid seed production, which robs the plant of nutrients needed for flowering in the next several years.

   Pruning:

   Pruning and trimming are usually conducted in the fall. Prune out diseased or weak branches. Pruning and trimming will improve the growth of the plant and quality of the flowers, as well as lengthen the lifespan of the plant. If the winter temperature drops below -10º C (14º F), cover the plants with straw or other mulching material to retain warmth and protect the tree peonies from frost.

Herbaceous peonies

1. When to plant

   Plant herbaceous peonies in the Fall (Autumn), so they will have time to become established in the soil before winter.

2. Climatic requirements

   Herbaceous peonies grow best in cool climates, USDA zones 4 to 8, because they will only bloom well if they experience a pronounced period of winter chilling.

3. Selecting the site

   Choose a site, with good drainage, where they can grow undisturbed to form magnificent clumps. Herbaceous peonies grow and flower best in full sun, but will tolerate some light afternoon shade.

4. Planting your herbaceous peony

   The hole should be about 18 inches by 18 inches (45 cm) and the same in depth. At the bottom of the hole, add a 4 inch (10 cm) layer of organic matter such as compost, pine bark, or well-aged manure. Incorporate a cup of bonemeal into the planting soil. Fill the hole half way with a mix of garden soil and compost, and then set the root division in place with the eyes facing upward. Spread the roots outward and evenly. Water thoroughly. Make certain that the eyes will be no deeper than two inches when the planting is completed, or your plants may fail to bloom. These peonies benefit from a soil pH which is neutral (pH 7.0) or at the most, only slightly acidic.

   Storing herbaceous peonies:

   Our herbaceous peonies come in bare-root form and should be planted as soon as possible upon arrival. However, if you need to store a peony for a few days, it should be kept cool and damp in a moisture retaining pack such as sawdust or peat moss.

5. Caring and maintenance of herbaceous peonies

   Herbaceous peonies should be fed in early spring and after blooming. Incorporate half a cup of low nitrogen fertilizer into the soil when the stems are about 2 or 3 inches (5 – 8 cm) high. Water them regularly in the dry summer months. In order to get larger flowers, you may remove excessive flower buds as soon as they become visible. Leave the terminal bud on each stem tip intact. Stake the plant in order to prevent the flowers from breaking or bending over during strong winds or rain. Deadhead the flowers (remove flowers) as soon as they fade to prevent seed development, which will deplete valuable food reserves needed to product next year’s blooms.