Make garden peonies ‘live for decades’ with expert's ‘crucial’ care tip
Peonies are hardy perennials with pretty flowers that are perfect for garden borders. An expert has shared top tips for ensuring your peonies grow well this season.
There are three different types of peonies, but all of them make a great addition to the garden.
According to Emma Fell from Hillier Garden Centre, these flowers are known for their longevity and if properly cared for, will “survive for decades”.
Coming in different types, each variety has unique characteristics. Some popular types include Paeonia Karl Rosenfield, Paeonia Sarah Bernhardt and Paeonia lactiflora.
The expert said that when it comes to planting peonies, timing is everything.
Emma said: “These stunning flowers thrive when they're planted during mid to late spring, especially when the weather is mild.
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“They are relatively easy to grow but do have specific requirements that need to be met for successful cultivation.
“Peonies are very particular about their surroundings. They thrive when planted in an area shaded from the early morning sun and protected from night frost.
“Choosing the right location is crucial for their growth and longevity. They prefer heavier soil that needs to be well-draining to prevent water logging.
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“There is little pruning involved in caring for a herbaceous peony, as they die back each winter. If your plant grows well, with lots of foliage but no flowers, it is likely that you have planted the bulbs too deep, as peonies like to be planted shallow.”
While peonies can grow in pots, and this may be ideal for renters or those with a smaller garden, they generally thrive better in the ground.
This is due to their extensive root systems and the potential to grow very tall with lots of luscious flowers.
When planted in the ground, peonies can “live for decades”, providing the garden with gorgeous colour year after year.
If you do opt to plant them in containers, the gardening expert recommended opting for large and deep containers.
Make sure to plant them in a well-draining potting mix and provide extra insulation or move them into a greenhouse during the winter months.
