Peonies, also known as farmer's roses in some places, have been an integral part of European gardens for centuries. Typical of both farm and monastery gardens, the uncomplicated and beautifully flowering species is still very popular today. This article will tell you how to properly plant and care for the robust plant for decades of blooming.
How to care for peonies in the garden?
Peonies are easy-care, perennial garden plants that usually bloom between May and June in Europe. They prefer deep, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Care includes occasional watering, sparing fertilization and cutting off perennial peonies in autumn.
Origin and distribution
Peonies, also known as peonies after their Latin name Paeonia, are the only genus in the plant family of the peony family (Paeoniaceae). There are peonies that grow like shrubs and perennials, although only the first variant is woody. Perennial peonies, on the other hand, die above ground over the winter and then sprout again the following spring.
But no matter which of the 32 species it is: peonies only occur in the northern hemisphere of the earth, but in almost all parts of the world with the exception of the Arctic. Except for two species of peonies, all others are native to Europe and Asia, with perennial peonies such as the common peony (Paeonia officinalis) having their home in the mountainous regions of southern Europe. Shrub or tree peonies (Paeonia Suffruticosa hybrids) and noble peonies (Paeonia Lactiflora hybrids), on the other hand, come from China and have been cultivated there for more than 2000 years.
The wild species of today's cultivated hybrids thrive primarily in sparse mountain forests as well as in the harsh steppe regions of temperate and subtropical climate zones.
Usage
In Europe, the common or farmer's peony is one of the oldest garden plants. Not only the simple varieties, but also the double varieties with their mostly pink to dark red flowers have been in cultivation for centuries. Traditionally, this perennial peony is planted together with the cranesbill (Geranium x magnificum) and the (Alchemilla mollis), primarily in the front garden or in the flower bed. It is also effective to use it as a companion plant, for example along the main path to the entrance door.
The Lactiflora hybrids, which were imported from Asia early on, can - like other shrub peonies - be used very well in Asian-style gardens, for example in combination with hostas (Hosta) or bamboo. A bamboo grove planted as a privacy hedge, which is accompanied by various peonies in the foreground, looks pretty.
The net-leaf peony (Paeonia tenuifolia), which comes from the steppes of Asia, is perfect for dry and full-sun locations and looks best when placed alone in a rock or gravel garden.
Appearance and growth
All peonies are perennial, summer-green plants that can remain in one and the same location for many decades if well cared for. The growth form and height depend largely on whether it is a shrub or a perennial peony.
Shrub peonies form woody shoots that are up to 200 centimeters long and noticeably thick. However, the upright bushes have little branching and also grow very slowly. Perennial peonies, on the other hand, grow to a maximum height of around 60 to 100 centimeters and therefore remain significantly smaller. This is not surprising, as these varieties sprout again every spring and otherwise overwinter in tuberous storage roots (the so-called rhizomes) close to the surface of the earth.
The still relatively young Itoh hybrids, which are hybrids of shrub and perennial peonies, develop a rather herbaceous but strong growth and larger flowers.
leaves
Perennial peonies emerge in spring with distinctive, dark red shoots, from which both the strong flower stalks and the long leaf stalks with the large, alternately arranged and odd-pinnate leaves develop. Shrub peonies, on the other hand, usually have bipinnate and light to blue-green colored leaves, which are also arranged alternately.
Flowers and flowering time
The very large flowers, measuring more than 20 centimeters in some varieties, are always located at the end of the long, thick flower stalks. They are externally similar to rose petals and can be single, semi-double or completely double. Incidentally, the largest flower heads develop in shrub-like peonies.
The flower colors usually vary between different shades of pink and red, but there are also white or yellow flowering varieties. The flowers of some varieties also have an intense scent, which is why the dried petals of these peonies are often used for potpourris.
Most varieties bloom in spring or early summer between May and June, but only for a few weeks.
Fruits
Peonies are often visited by butterflies, bumblebees and other insects, which also ensure the fertilization of the large flowers. Large follicles then form, which open as they ripen in autumn and reveal dark seeds up to one centimeter in size. The fruits with the shiny seeds can easily remain on the plant, especially since they give the plant an attractive and interesting appearance even when it is not in bloom.
Toxicity
The peony has been used in natural medicine since ancient times. Roots, petals and seeds were said to help against cramps as well as intestinal problems and gout. Even today, homeopathy still uses peony roots as a remedy for hemorrhoids. The extent to which these remedies are actually effective is of course another matter.
Sometimes the delicate petals of peonies are also recommended for preparing and decorating salads, smoothies, desserts and other dishes. However, you should exercise caution because all parts of the plant contain toxic glycosides and alkaloids, which, if consumed in large quantities, can lead to typical symptoms of poisoning. These include stomach and intestinal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Peonies are only slightly poisonous to humans, although symptoms of poisoning may or may not occur depending on the individual tolerance threshold - every person reacts differently. However, caution is advised with small children and pets, as they are smaller and therefore the poison threshold is lower. Peonies can even be classified as highly poisonous for dogs.
Which location is suitable?
Most peony species and varieties prefer a location in full sun, which is particularly important for herbaceous peonies. Tree peonies, on the other hand, also feel comfortable in a bright, partially shaded spot, as long as they are exposed to direct sunlight in the afternoon and evening.
By the way, peonies are not suitable for planting under trees or tall shrubs, as the plants cannot handle root and competitive pressure due to their deep root system.read more
Floor
Peonies are not very demanding when it comes to soil conditions. The soil does not need to be too rich in humus, and the plants also feel comfortable in loamy or sandy soil - provided that it is deep, well-drained and fresh to moist. Only waterlogging and a high groundwater level are unsuitable for peonies, because under the influence of constant moisture, fungal infections and rot are inevitable consequences. Dryness, on the other hand, is well tolerated because the storage roots can store moisture.
Loose the soil thoroughly and, above all, deeply before planting. The thick roots dig to a depth of one and a half or even two meters, which is why the soil at the planting site must not be too heavy or too firm. A heavy, water-retaining garden soil can be improved with coarse sand and fine pebbles.
pot culture
Peonies can be easily cultivated in sufficiently large planters, but they require good drainage and plenty of soil. A mixture of conventional potting soil, coarse sand and clay granules is suitable as a substrate. Choose wide and deep containers so that the dense network of roots has enough space. Also keep in mind that shrub peonies can grow up to around 200 centimeters high over the years and also take up a lot of space in width. These plants need a lot of space around them, even when grown in a container, which is why a small balcony is not very suitable.
In addition to the regular supply of water and nutrients, frost-free wintering must also be ensured. It is best to overwinter perennial peonies in a cool, frost-free place, possibly in the cellar or garage. The storage root cannot be sufficiently protected from the cold due to the small amount of substrate and therefore needs support.
Planting peony correctly
There is a big difference when it comes to planting perennial peonies and tree peonies: plant perennial peonies as shallowly as possible in the ground, while tree peonies are planted as deeply as possible. There are good reasons for this approach: While perennials planted too deeply only develop leaves and no flowers, shrubs planted too shallow die after a few years. The shrub-like species are often grafted onto perennial peonies, which is why the grafting site must be buried between five and ten centimeters deep. This is the only way for the tree peony to develop its own roots - if it is unable to do so because it is planted too shallowly, the scion will be rejected after a while.
Dig the planting holes about two spade lengths deep and at least 60 centimeters in diameter. Improve loamy soil with coarse sand, clay granules or gravel, while sandy soil is improved with compost. Carefully loosen the bottom of the planting hole and, if necessary, add a drainage layer - for example pebbles and sand.
What is the best time to plant?
The best time to plant peonies is early fall between September and mid-October. At this point the plants are already going into hibernation. However, the soil and weather are still warm enough for the roots to grow before the cold season. Always cover peonies planted in autumn with brushwood to protect them from frost, because the young plants only acquire their winter protection after a few years of standing. Alternatively, planting can also be done in spring.
The correct planting distance
Perennial peonies require a planting distance of an average of 80 centimeters, although large varieties sometimes have to be planted with 100 centimeters of space between them and the neighboring plant. Tree peonies grow significantly larger and therefore require more space: Depending on the species and variety, leave between 120 and 150 centimeters of space, although these variants are best shown as solitary plants anyway.
Watering peony
Occasional watering may be necessary, especially in the first year after planting as well as on dry, sandy soils and during longer dry periods in mid-summer. However, additional watering is usually not necessary as the plants can easily take care of themselves thanks to their extensive root system. Only specimens cultivated in pots rely on a regular supply of water.
Fertilize peony properly
Planted peonies basically do not need to be fertilized, as the species are weak feeders and therefore only require a small amount of nutrients. Too much fertilizer - especially nitrogen-rich fertilizer - can even weaken the plants, threatening disease and pest infestation. Use phosphate and potassium-based fertilizers, applied in spring if necessary. Horn shavings and stable manure are not suitable for fertilizing peonies, and compost is also only suitable to a limited extent.
Cut peony correctly
Cut perennial peonies close to the ground between October and November when the stems gradually turn brown and dry out. Tree peonies, on the other hand, basically don't need any pruning, they grow beautifully and lushly and don't go bald. Only in severe, very frosty winters may branches freeze back, which you cut away in the spring after budding. However, be sure to wait for the buds to sprout so that you don't accidentally remove any living, flower-forming buds. Wilted flower heads can, but do not have to, be cut off. This measure only makes sense to protect endangered peonies from (renewed) fungal infection.
Propagate peony
Perennial peonies can easily be propagated by division. The reproduction of shrub peonies is more difficult because they have to be grafted onto root pieces of the shrub peonies. The gardener refers to this process as nurse propagation, whereby the perennial acts as a nurse for the shrub until it has developed its own roots. If this is too complicated for you, you can also try using slightly woody sinkers. Furthermore, propagation is of course also possible via seeds, but it is time-consuming and fraught with many sources of error.
Diseases and pests
Peonies are very sensitive to fungal diseases, which occur primarily due to fertilization that is too high in nitrogen and/or on nutrient-rich soils. The so-called peony botrytis (gray mold), which mainly occurs in specimens planted on humus-rich substrates, is common.
Tip
If you dig up and divide an old peony, do not return the sections to their previous location. Instead, choose a new one to prevent floor fatigue. This often causes stunting.
Species and varieties
There are around 40 different types of peonies worldwide, which differ greatly not only in their growth form, but also in the formation and color of their flowers. There are countless varieties, most of which bloom in shades of pink or red as well as white. Some of the most beautiful variants for the garden are these:
- 'Karl Rosenfield': Paeonia lactiflora, purple-red, double flowers, old variety
- ‘Sarah Bernhardt’: Paeonia lactiflora, light pink, double flowers, old variety
- 'Alba Plena': Paeonia officinalis, white, double flowers
- 'Cora Louise': Itoh hybrid, flowers creamy white with purple-reddish basal spot, semi-double
- 'Garden Treasure': Itoh hybrid, flowers pale yellow with red basal spots, semi-double
- 'Bartzella': Itoh hybrid, lemon yellow flowers, semi-double
- 'Otto Froebel': Paeonia peregrina, simple, pink flowers
- ‘Sunshine’: Paeonia peregrina, simple, red flowers
- 'Carina': Hybrid, semi-double, red flowers
- 'Candy Stripe': Paeonia lactiflora, striking, multicolored flowers: white with purple stripes, double
