Intro/Brief Description

Peony

Genus: Paeonia

Introduction to Peony

Often one of the more vibrant and colorful additions to any home garden is the Peony - genus name Paeonia. It produces a flower distinguishable by petals that are broad and cup-shaped or, alternatively, ornately crumpled together to form an exquisite blossom. This genus includes the Rose, which helps to explain why for most of the numerous Peony species the blooming period is as fragrant as it is aesthetically pleasing. Colors include yellow, red, pink, deep violet and white.

The Peony most often grows as an herbaceous perennial, although a select group of Peonies do develop into shrubs. The plant derives its name from the ancient Greek scholar and physician by the name of Paeon, who would exploit certain types of this flower for its medicinal properties. Today, many practitioners of traditional medicine still use the root of select Peony species to help treat conditions like asthma, cramps and seizures. Notable Peony species include the Sarah Bernhardt (Paeonia Lactiflora) which takes it name from the flamboyant actress of the Victorian era. We know this variety to be at least a century old. It is mostly white with hints of pink and even silver toward the edges of its thick petals. Someone trying to satisfy a slightly different color scheme could look to the flower known as Chocolate Soldier (also Paeonia Lactiflora) to enrich a garden with deep purple and red highlighted by yellow sprinkles on the stamens. Another notable species is the Tree Peony (Paeonia Suffruticosa) which as a shrub is taller than other varieties of the genus and grows bark, especially toward the base of the plant. Its flowers are white colored with spots of red here and there. Of course, some of the all time favorite Peonies are the roses, (Paeonia anomala and Paeonia humilis) which produce fragrant, broad-petal blossoms.

Features of Peony

The most cherished aspects of Peonies are their rich fragrance and striking color display which can easily draw one's attention. The beginning gardener will most likely find these somewhat of a challenge to grow because of possible lattice requirements and the necessity of finding a sunny place to plant them. Nevertheless, Peonies are fairly easy and should be a rewarding plant for the aspiring green thumb.

Peony Hardiness

While Peonies are native to Asia and Europe, they can be grown in many other parts of the world as well. As perennials, Peonies can grow between zones 2 and 9 (although usually more in the range from 3 to 8). As shrubs, Peonies survive in zones 4 through 6.

Growth Habit of Peony

The height of Peony plants ranges from 12" to 8'. It is important to make a distinction between the perennials and the shrubs. While the perennials generally grow from about 12" to 48" the shrubs fall into the range of 4' to 8' at full height. For the perennials the width ranges from 24" to 48" while shrubs take up 6' to 8' all around.

Bloom Time of Peony

Peonies generally bloom around mid spring but can sometimes do so as late as the beginning of summer. It is always a good idea to pick off the tired flowers in order to maintain and prolong the strong blooming period. When deadheading roses, one should make sure that his or her particular species is a recurrent bloomer. Otherwise deadheading is not required, as with the shrub varieties that tend to bloom only once every year. With other types of Peony, however, cutting back on the stem is often a good way to maintain the plant on into the latter part of the summer.

How To Propagate Peony

Planting Peonies by seed would require a lot of patience - about three years worth, to be exact. That's the time it takes for this genus to germinate. Yet even this is only advisable when dealing with the wild species, as the named types are likely to come out differently from the parent plants. Because of the difficulty in seed planting, it is much preferred to break apart the clumps either in autumn or in the early part of spring. By replanting the budded roots, the gardener will be able to grow the identical variety of Peony as the original clump. While germination is best done by sowing wild seeds, it is much more advisable to split the clumps. It is highly unlikely that one will have success with cuttings.

Transplanting Peony

Peonies should only be transplanted when absolutely necessary, due to the fact that this genus does not like being disturbed. Unless it is in an unhealthy spot in the garden - such as high shade and overcrowding, for example - the Peony should stay put. When transplanting is attempted, it is necessary to cut off the lower stems and dig out the root base, being careful to include as much of it as possible. Quickly replanting the Peony in a well-dug location with good drainage is crucial to the survival and healthy blooming of the transplanted Peony.

Soil for Peony

The best soil for Peonies is neutral, with a pH level ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The gardener who makes sure that the soil is nutrient rich - either by adding compost, manure, or other soil enhancers - will help to ensure the success of his or her Peonies. It is also crucial to maintain a well drained environment for the roots, although soil that dries out too fast should also be avoided.

Watering Peony

Water peonies thoroughly and deeply once every 10 to 14 days. Deep watering will encourage deep rooting. Once established, peonies are very drought-resistant.

Sunlight for Peony

Be sure to grow Peonies in full sunlight. If this is not possible partial shade may also be acceptable.

Care and Maintenance of Peony

Peonies should be deaded headed into the end of the blooming period. With new Peonies, however, it is important to be sure to leave enough foliage around the plant in order to give it proper protection during the cold months of winter. This plant requires a good deal of nutrients. Mulched soil is beneficial not only because of the nutrients, but because it can help to maintain moistness in the root system, a necessary part of caring for Peonies. Be careful not to ingest any part of the Peony plant - and keep children and loved ones away from it - until it has been determined whether or not the plant is poisonous to consume, as certain Peony varieties are indeed toxic. Because of thorns, it is also a good idea to wear gloves when tending certain Peonies such as the Rose.

Pests of Peony

There are no significant pests to mention.

Diseases of Peony

One disease known as Peony wilt can cause the plant harm and is evident by a gray-colored fungus that grows on the plant stems. It is activated when the weather has been wet for a long time.

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