Rough Draft 1.0 11/12/2020
Intro
I always know spring is full swing when our pink fluffy and fragrant peonies come into full bloom. Peonies are a perennial so they will return on their own year after year. After the blooms in spring the peony is a beautiful green bush. This is always a fun site to watch and see when the peonies return in the spring as their small amber red shoots grow into the peonies of full glory.
Growing Peonies
Care
In the spring after the peonies bloom and their petals have fallen it’s the best time to deadhead the blooms. During the summer months the bush just needs about an inch of water a week. After cutting back the stems in the fall to ground level some gardeners enjoy digging up the root ball and dividing it. Then once you have your divisions plant them right away so they can come back in full bloom in the spring This is a great plus when growing peonies because year after year your peonies can multiply. Leaving the peony in the ground over winter is fine too. I’ve always cared for my peonies this way and my peony bush grows larger and larger with more blooms every year. I will cover the base of the plant with mulch, even leaves from the trees and bark have worked for us too. Tip When dividing Peonies roots cut into pieces with 3-5 eyes have the best chance of success
Sun and Soil
Peonies grow well where they can receive at least 6 hr of full sun a day. Sun is an important factor when planting peonies because they have been known to not flower if they are in a shady spot. Peonies also thrive in well-draining soil
Meaning of the Peony
Common yet Different
The Common Peony meanings include romance, prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, riches, honor, and compassion — but peonies can also mean bashfulness. I’ll take romance and compassion over shyness when I look at my peonies 🙂
Can they be grown in a pot?
Pots for Peonies
While they are happiest in the garden, they can be grown in pots if given the proper attention. Select a large container with plenty of drainage holes. In colder areas, bring potted peony plants in for the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures; plants in containers are more susceptible to frost damage. Also you will need to water more frequently during the growing season, as containers dry out quickly.
Peonies blooming season is spring with classic, large, fragrant flowers. The buds that appear are the variety color which was chosen. The size of the buds look like golf ball size rounds and with the many layers that peonies are given it’s fun to watch them unfold as they turn into large flowers. Theses are great for cutting and displaying in a vase. This is a great flower to plant around other perennials or spring blooming bulbs.
Resource Links
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/gardening-advice/a568985/peony-growing-mistake/