The flowering time of the peonies is longed for. No wonder: the flowers look simply wonderful! But the flowering period can also be a tragedy if you haven't supported your peony properly.
How to properly support peonies?
To properly support peonies, attach perennial holders or self-made supports made of metal or wooden rods around the root area in spring. Connect the stakes with wire or thin rope, making sure the support is 2/3 as high as the peony grows.
Support – why?
Many peonies have been trimmed to flower size. But this has a decisive disadvantage: the perennials can often no longer hold the massive and heavy flowers properly. The stems are too thin compared to the voluminous flowers. As a result, the long flower stems bend to and fro.
Falling over is encouraged by wind and rain
Falling over occurs mainly due to gusts of wind, rain falling or if you brush against the plant in passing. Many things can cause flowers to fall over. They won't become stable again once they're on the ground.
Damage caused by cancellation
The fallen flowers don't just look ugly. In addition, breaking off the stems can cause the plant to be attacked more quickly by pathogens. These can penetrate your damaged tissue unhindered.
Attach the support
Here are some tips for attaching the support:
- Attach the support in spring so that the plant can grow into it
- Perennial holders are available ready-made in stores
- Building your own is more cost-effective
- z. B. insert several metal or wooden sticks into the soil around the root area
- Connect rods with wire, thin ropes or metal ring
- Support should be 2/3 as high as the peony can grow
In addition to preventing it from falling over, a support helps to keep the peony's growth in shape. However, be careful not to 'lace' the plant too much. Otherwise it looks restricted and moisture can no longer evaporate properly, which promotes fungal diseases.
Additional support from the inside – fertilizer
Strengthen your peony additionally by fertilizing it. In spring and August she should receive a portion of potash. This strengthens the structure and strength of the plant. It is important not to fertilize the plant with too much nitrogen!
Tip
Even in winter, a support can be useful as protection against breaking off due to snow loads, at least for shrub peonies. Tie the shoots together!
