Peonies

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your peonies bloom. They are some of the most majestic flowers to have in your garden creating stunning displays. They also look beautiful as a cut flower. And you will have the tools you need to grow your very own with this guide.

Peony Plants

Easy to grow and low maintenance, peonies will reap rewards for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Peonies will die back after flowering each year, only to burst into life again the following spring. You will get bigger, better displays each year for many years to come. Perfect for growing in beds, borders, pots or containers.

Peonies need winter cold and summer sun to produce flowers, so the eyes of the peony roots should not be more than 3-5cm below the soil surface.

How to care for your peonies

• Despite the myths that surround them, peonies are easy to grow.
  
• They need plenty of water as long as they don’t get waterlogged, so plant your peonies in soil that drains well. Clay is fine as long as it doesn’t stay wet.
  
• Peonies flower at their best in full sun, but they will tolerate light shade.
  
• Feed with a general fertiliser in spring, but avoid over-feeding with high nitrogen fertilisers.
  
• To conserve moisture and suppress weeds, mulch around the crown with 3-5cm (2-3in) organic matter. Avoid covering the crown itself.
  
• It is generally best to cut the foliage to ground level as it dies back in the autumn to reduce risk of peony wilt.
  
• Peonies seldom need to be divided or moved, but if necessary it should be carried out only in the autumn.