Purdue University
Consumer Horticulture
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
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Purdue University
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Yard and Garden News |
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By B. Rosie Lerner
Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
To admire a peony in full bloom is not only a fitting way to celebrate our full arrival into spring, but it also shows a hint of the colors that summer will bring to our gardens. Although it is native to the Orient, rather than the United States, the peony has become a staple of the Midwestern flower garden. So much so, in fact, that it is recognized as the state flower of Indiana!
Peonies are hardy perennial plants that adapt easily to average garden conditions without much maintenance. There are two basic types of peonies that can be grown in the Midwest - garden (herbaceous) peonies and tree peonies. Garden peonies have thick, bushy foliage that reaches 2 to 4 feet in height and dies back to the ground each winter. Tree peonies are not truly tree-size, but are generally larger than garden peonies and produce their annual growth from woody stems. They are generally a little less winter hardy then the garden types.
Though there is a vast array of cultivars available, most gardeners are only familiar with the large, double-flowered garden forms in white, pale pink and magenta. In addition, garden peonies are available in single-flowered, semi-double, Japanese, and anemone-type blossoms. Other colors include yellow, cream and red.
Tree peonies also come in single, semi-double and double-flowered forms, and the color range extends to include several shades of red and purple. Depending on the cultivar and weather conditions, peonies will blossom as early as April or as late as June.
Peonies grow best in well-drained, sunny locations, but can adapt to a wide range of soils. Garden peonies can be purchased as either potted plants or divisions of the tubers (underground stems). The more buds on the tuber, the faster the plant will make a good showing in the garden. Planting depth is critical for good garden performance. The buds of the tuber should be set no deeper than 2 inches below the soil surface. Peonies planted too deep will produce foliage each year, but they may never bloom.
Tree peonies are propagated either by seed or by grafting a certain cultivar onto a vigorous rootstock. Seed-grown plants usually require six or more years to become mature enough to flower. Grafted tree peonies generally bloom several years earlier.
Late summer or early autumn has long been the recommended planting time for both types of peonies. This allows the plants the opportunity to establish new root growth during the cooler, moister conditions. Spring planting is possible, but be prepared to pamper the plants throughout the stressful summer with about an inch of water per week and perhaps protection from hot afternoon sun.
Double-flowered forms often get so top heavy from the weight of the blooms that they bend over the ground and sometimes even break off the stem. The flower stalks can be supported by tying them to a stake or surrounding them with a wire cage or other support.
Peonies make excellent cut flowers for arranging indoors. Cut the stems early in the morning or late in the evening, when stems are filled with water. Choose stems with flower buds that are just beginning to show color; flowers that are already open will not last long in the vase.
The flower buds are loaded with fragrance and often have sticky sap, both of which help to attract pollinating insects. Unfortunately, the stickiness also attracts ants, which you may not want to bring indoors. Some gardeners believe the ants are needed to open the flower buds! Although the ants do not perform any particular service for the flower, they do not cause any harm. Apply a sharp spray of water from the garden hose to wash the ants away before bringing the flowers indoors.
Last updated: 11 April 2006
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