Depending on the variety, their flowers are large, brightly colored and densely filled or open. Peonies are particularly popular because of their attractive flowers. But only with the right care will the culture be promising.
How do you properly care for peonies?
Peony care includes fertilizing twice a year with organic fertilizers, watering young plants regularly and in dry conditions, cutting back perennial peonies in autumn and optionally cutting shrub peonies in late autumn. Peonies are hardy, but freshly planted specimens require winter protection.
How often are peonies fertilized?
If you fertilize your peonies twice a year, that's more than enough. They are fertilized for the first time when they sprout between March and April. The second fertilization should take place immediately after flowering, i.e. around the end of June.
Which fertilizers are suitable?
For fertilizing, agents that are less nitrogen-based should always be used. Peonies need potassium and a portion of phosphorus to produce lush flowers. Organic fertilizers such as compost (€41.00 on Amazon), horn shavings or horn meal are best. Be sure to carefully work the fertilizer into the soil as the roots of the peonies are close to the surface.
How and when do you cut peonies?
Perennial peonies should be cut back to just above the ground in autumn when the shoots are yellow to brown. It is also advisable to cut off the wilted flowers in summer, directly after flowering. On the one hand, this saves energy for the plant. On the other hand, fungi tend to form in the flowers, which can otherwise spread to the entire plant.
How are the bush peonies cut?
Shrub peonies are cut differently than perennial peonies. Basically, they don't need to be cut at all. It's more of a can. If you want to prune a tree peony, do it in late fall. Cut the shoots down to the first bud!
Do peonies need to be watered?
Pouring is very uncomplicated:
- water young plants regularly in the first year
- later the plants have deep roots
- Dryness is harmful, especially during the flowering period
- generally water when it is hot and dry for long periods
What pests and diseases can occur?
The following pests and diseases can affect peonies:
- Ants prefer flowers
- Aphids everywhere
- Pests usually do not cause significant damage
- Gray mold: dried, brown buds and shoots (often in spring)
- Leaf spot disease: round spots that are purple on the edge
How do you protect plants in winter?
Peonies are hardy. They should only be protected in winter if they have been freshly planted. Brushwood is suitable for winter protection. Attention: Do not fertilize your shrub peonies too late! Otherwise the shoots will no longer be able to mature properly. It is also important to remove the winter protection before sprouting.
Tip
Unlike other perennials, it is not necessary to divide peonies regularly. On the contrary, the peonies tolerate being dug up and replanted extremely poorly.
