Peony: “The King of Flowers”

Peonies are beautiful, fragrant flowers to which a ton of fascinating history and symbolism is attached. They are among the pricier flowers that you can buy — both as tubers and from florists, but they’re fairly easy to grow and with a life expectancy of up to 100 years, these perennials are well worth the investment.

Peonies typically bloom from spring through summer, though it’s possible to find varieties that bloom earlier or later than others, allowing you to stretch peony season at your home. The best time to plant them is in the fall, at least six weeks before the ground freezes. These deer-resistant lookers do well between hardiness zones 3 and 8 (Eugene’s zone), as long as they’ve got full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively drought-resistant, but like to be watered occasionally. Potted peonies need to be watered more often: every few days during warm weather. Get detailed instructions for planting peonies here. 

Recommended soil for Peonies:

Flower-n-Garden An all natural and organic soil blend full of beneficial ingredients including compost and organic amendments to build the proper environment for your plants.     Shop Now

 

Container

Opus Grows Mix #1 An all-purpose premium blend of biologically-enhanced soil that helps plants establish an ideal environment for plant growth.   Shop Now

Tips for Growing Peonies:

• Choose your planting location wisely; peonies don’t like to be moved or divided.
• After you dig a hole to plant your peonies, add compost and organic fertilizer before setting the tuber in place and recovering it. Good soil and a smart location will keep your peonies happy for years — often with very little additional effort on your part. But...
• Don’t forget to deadhead.
• If you’re growing a variety of peony with heavy blooms, a preemptive support structure can help reduce sagging and broken stems.
• Make sure not to plant peonies too deep, or they won’t bloom. The roots should be beneath just two inches of soil.
• Don’t expect blooms for a few years. Peonies need to mature before they start showing off.