It’s peony season, and I couldn’t be happier. I absolutely love these big, beautiful, softly-scented blooms. Peonies make a most lovely bush in your landscape and are a wonderful cut flower, as well. If you try to buy the cut version, however, they can be quite pricey. But no need to buy them because they are so easy to grow and care for. All you need is a sunny spot for them in your yard. And if you know a few tricks for making your peonies last you can enjoy these beauties for years. So here’s the inside scoop on peonies:
Plant Peonies in Full Sun. It’s One of Tricks For Making Your Peonies Last
Plant peonies in a sunny, well-drained location. Peonies love full sun; at least a half day of sun will provide abundant blooms. Plant your peonies on little mounds to provide better drainage. They do not need to be planted too deeply either. Cover the peony root until only 1 to 2 inches of soil covers the eyes. No need to amend the soil; peonies grow in all types of soil.
Water The Roots, Not The Leaves – Another One of The Tricks To Making Your Peonies Last
Peony leaves can get moldy and hurt the plant. When you are watering, focus the water on the roots, rather than the leaves. The leaves will stay better protected that way. Obviously, you can’t prevent them from getting wet from natural rain (unless you’ve invented some sort of peony umbrella?) but this will help minimize disease on the leaves, and thereby the plant itself.
Cut Peonies After Frost To Get More Blooms
After the first frost in the fall, cut peonies down to 3-4 inches above the ground and throw away the dead plants. This will limit mold and fungus setting in and give you lovely, healthy plants come spring.
To Make Your Cut Blooms Last Longer – Here’s The Best Trick To Making Your Peonies Last
Peonies are stunning in large bouquets or as individual cut blooms in a dramatic vase. As soon as mine start to form buds, I am anxiously waiting to cut them and bring them inside to enjoy. I’ve learned, however, that if I pay attention to the blooming cycle, I can harvest a lot of the blooms early, and get them to bloom throughout the summer months, as I would like. The trick to this is all about marshmallows. Yes, you read that right, marshmallows. When the blooms are ever-so-slightly open, press your thumb on them. If the center feels soft, like a marshmallow, that bud is ready. Cut it just above a group of leaves and pop it (without any water or anything) into a plastic bag. I date mine, because I want to use first in first. Place the bag in your fridge and they will keep up to three months. When ready to use, take them out, cut a fresh end on the stem and place in your vase of choice. It really is that simple. Amazing, huh?
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to check your local consignment or thrift shop, like Consignments Ltd., for a great and inexpensive way to purchase containers for these beautiful blooms!
For some related topics, check out my previous blogs like: Thrift Your Gardening Supplies and Easy Home Gardening Tricks.
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