Overview:
Peonies are beautiful, often fragrant, clump forming perennials with large cupped or ruffled showy flowers.
Latin Name:
Paeonia
Common Name(s):
USDA Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones: 3-8
Size:
1½ - 3½' tall, 2-3' wide
Exposure:
Bloom Period:
May and June
Description:
Peonies are long-lived and easy to grow. Flowers can be single double or anemone-like, in shades of white, pink and red. New foliage is reddish and mature to a dark green, with deeply lobed leaves that stay nice all season.
Cultural Notes:
Peonies require a period of cold, to set eyes or flower buds on their roots. For this reason, they should not be planted more than a few inches below the soil surface.
Maintenance: The can become top heavy and benefit from staking.
Peonies are susceptible to botrytis or gray mold. Early applications of fungicide and removal of infected leaves will help. Remove the peony foliage in fall, to prevent overwintering of botrytis spores.
Design Tips:
Large clumps of peonies can be used as an anchor in a border. They also pair especially well with the spiky leaves and flowers of iris.
Suggested Varieties:
P. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a late blooming soft pink, fragrant double
’Krinkled White’ is an early season anemone style with pink tinged white petals and a golden yellow center
P. ‘Peppermint Stick’ is a ruffled variety with white, pink and red stripes.
’Krinkled White’ is an early season anemone style with pink tinged white petals and a golden yellow center
P. ‘Peppermint Stick’ is a ruffled variety with white, pink and red stripes.
