Paeonia

• Try to plant in a position that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, as deep shade will tend to reduce flower production.
• Ensure adequate drainage – peonies hate to be sitting in standing water.
• Mulch well when needed, this will also keep keep weeds at bay.

The best time to transplant Peonies are often in the Autumn / Fall, as it gives the plant a good amount of time to develop enough of a feeder root system before the frosts arrive.

Peonies on the whole hate to be moved, so choose your planting position wisely, and ensure to plant in good, fertile soil – adding compost or other organic matter if you feel that the soil needs enhancement.

Peonies are often transplanted through bare root division: when planting this way, ensure that the root is planted at least 5cm below the surface – too deep and the plant will flower only superficially, too shallow and you will risk exposing the root system to environmental damage.

Peonies can be wonderful cut flowers, but care needs to be taken that the blooms are not taken from young plants – the blooms are very difficult to cut without damaging leaves, which are an essential food supply for the plant. Remember not to cut flowers from plants less than about 3 years of age and try to leave as much foliage as possible each time you cut.

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Paeonia so consider planting:

• Paeonia loves Clematis

  Clematis can be trellised behind Peony to great effect.

• Paeonia loves Daylily

  Daylilies enjoy the same soil conditions as Peony and look striking together.

• Paeonia loves Winter iris

  Iris also likes rich deep soil, and can be colour coordinated nicely with Peony.

These plants will not grow well with Paeonia so avoid planting these within close proximity:

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Paeonia plants:

• Peony Wilt

  Caused primarily by Botrytis paeoniae that can breed in periods of wet weather.

• Crown rot

Hybrid Peony, Chinese peony, Peony

Paeonia x, Paeonia hybrid