More Care of Peonies

It is not uncommon for consumers to buy peonies without thinking first about how to take care of peonies. Although tree peonies can grow in USDA Zones 4 through 9 in the United States, there are some details you should know before transplanting your peony into the ground. If you have a better understanding of the tree peony's requirements for optimal growth and health, then you can greatly reduce the risk of your plant dying within the first year. At Cricket Hill Gardens we take caring for our peonies seriously, and hope that you will, too.

First and foremost, tree peonies need a high quality soil with excellent drainage. If you live in a climate that gets a great deal of rain, the last thing you want to do is plant your tree peony on level ground. Every time it rains, the root system of your tree peony would get inundated with water and the root system would become suffocated. Therefore, it is essential that you either plant your tree peony on a hillside as this allows for water to naturally drain, or that you elevate the roots when planting your peony.

Elevating the roots involves planting your peony in the ground on top of a mound of soil, with the roots falling down on all sides around the mound. It is also important when planting your tree peony into the ground that you alternate water with soil as you fill in the hole, as it is essential to keep air pockets from forming around the root system. This is the first step in learning how to take care of peonies properly.

How to Take Care of Peonies for Optimal Growth
Aside from making sure your tree peony has a high quality soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0 and exceptional water drainage, you need to consider sunlight. Tree peonies grow best when they receive between four and five hours of sunlight a day, with morning sun being the most favorable. However, you can also plant your peonies in spots where they will get dappled sunlight all day, usually under taller trees. They will grow in full sun, but we have observed that the leaves will scorch, and the flowers wilt too quickly. Our shade umbrellas are a good solution to a garden that has too much sun. If you take care of peonies by making sure they get the proper amount of sunlight and adequate water, and their soil is conducive to healthy growth, the payoffs will be big. In the springtime you will be rewarded with vibrantly colored blooms that have the most heavenly fragrance