Peonies trees are beautiful, long-living perennial flowers available in a wide range of varieties and colors. The peony has some specific growing requirements.
The peony has long been a popular flowering perennial. This slightly fragrant beauty has large flowers with layers of soft petals that come in a wide range of colors and varieties. According to the website "Green Guide Garden Market" in the article entitled, "The Peony Plant", which was written by Sara Williams, the peony originates as far back as the thirteenth century.
"The Peony Plant" provides information on the origin of the peony. It says the peony originated in Europe and was introduced to the English by the Romans. Other varieties were brought from China to Europe by French missionary Pere Delevay in the nineteenth century.
The website "Gardening With the Garden Helper" says in the article entitled, "Peonies... lactiflora", that peonies can live to be about fifty years old and are very easy to care for and maintain. Another reason for their popularity is the wide range of varieties and colors available.
A few of the many species of peonies to consider planting are described by "The Peony Plant". First is the tree peony, which is a shrub-like variety that makes a beautiful addition to landscaping designs. This type of peony, although beautiful, is not usually as hardy as other varieties.
Next is the Chinese peony. This lovely variety is available in shades of white, pink, and red. It is described as having large blooms with layered rows of petals. These peonies are quite beautiful planted in a group or as a colorful hedge row.
Fernleaf peonies are an early blooming, smaller variety. This intricately detailed peony has lacy foliage which resembles that of a fern. They make a spectacular addition to any garden or flower bed.
Single peonies are basic but just as splendid. They flower early and open to reveal beautiful, soft blooms. This variety is great planted along a fence or as a lovely background for smaller plants.
Semi-double varieties do not have as many petals as other peonies but are still exquisite. These can be identified by a circle of stamens and petals alternating around the center of each bloom. "The Peony Plant" says the benefit of a peony with fewer petals is they tend to stay upright since the blooms are lighter. Large, fuller varieties often need to be supported.
The book "Burpee: Complete Gardener", published by Macmillan in 1995, provides the following information on the requirements of peonies. It says that peonies thrive in cooler climates that are subject to frost. They are best suited for zones three through eight and require full to partial sun for at least six hours per day. "Peonies... Paeonia lactiflora" says they should have well-drained, rich soil that contains very little to no acid. It also says the location of your peonies should be selected with careful consideration since they do not transplant well. In addition, peonies require plenty of space for a healthy root system and should not be planted in areas having large bushes or trees. Doing so would rob the plants of much needed nutrients and growing space, says "Peonies... Paeonia lactiflora".
"Burpee: Complete Gardener" suggests starting peonies with roots since seed germination can take as long as two years. It also provides the following information on preparing the soil and planting peonies. Before planting peony roots the soil should be well-worked at a depth of about two feet. If you decide to plant peony roots rather than seeds you will notice they have anywhere from three to five buds. These buds should be about one or two inches below the surface of the soil when planted. Peony plants often take up to three years to bloom, but the beautiful flowers are well worth the wait.
Watering should be done approximately every two weeks, according to "The Peony Plant". When watering peonies, it is recommended that they are given enough water to reach a depth between eighteen and twenty-four inches. Doing so will promote deeper root systems. After the plants are well established they are better able to tolerate drought conditions.
"Peonies... Paeonia lactiflora" recommends feeding peonies at the beginning of spring and again midway through periods of growth. A fertilizer with a low nitrogen content is recommend. The same article advises against using too much fertilizer or placing the fertilizer on the roots. It is important to follow label directions carefully when applying fertilizer. Also suggested by the same article is an application of potash early in the spring. Ashes from a fireplace combined with the soil can be quite beneficial.
When fall arrives "Burpee: Complete Gardener" says to cut peonies to ground level and remove any dead growth. Doing so will prevent a disease called botrytis, which is common to peonies. If peonies are properly cared for and maintained they will remain healthy and provide many years of spectacular blooms.
