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 Care and Maintenance
Peonies
are low maintenance plants. Fertilize your plants lightly with bone meal or a low nitrogen
fertilizer such as 4-12-4 (nitrogen-phosphor-kalium). The best time to fertilize is in
early spring when the stems are about 5-8cm (2 or 3 inches) high or after blooming and
before winter. Over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, usually results in weak stems
and reduced flowering.
All plants
are shipped in the fall, September to early December, depending on your area:
The
cold area will be sent in early September to late September.
The
warm area sent about early November to early December.
The
other area sent about early October to early November.
The
success rate of fall transplanting is almost 100%, so we do not ship at any other time.
Though peonies are hard plants, but we ask you to order the plants in advance for planting
in good time.
Keep the
roots moist and shaded until planting. Tree peonies and herbaceous peonies prefer a soil
pH of 6.5 to 7.0. They must be planted in a well-drained place. Standing water at the
roots will kill them. The site should be partly shaded. A shady spot will allow the
flowers to last longer without fading. Do not plant too close to trees where roots will
compete with peony roots for nutrients and water.
The hole
should be two feet deep and two feet wide (about 50 x 50cm). Any new buds of herbaceous
peony or roots collar of tree peony should be below the soil level. Mound the earth in the
bottom of hole so that the roots are fully extended. Fill the hole half way with rich
garden soil. Water in the plant to prevent air pockets. Fill the rest of the hole, again
with rich garden soil and water. Mulch with 15cm (6 inches) of leaves or straw during the
first winter to prevent the earth from heaving.
Carefully
remove mulch a little at a time in early spring when all danger of freezing is past. After
the plant has bloomed, it's best to remove faded flowers. The dried tips of branches of
tree peony and the stems of herbaceous peony should be removed before winter or in early
spring.
In the
fall, carefully remove dead leaves. This sanitary procedure will help keep your plants
free of leaf spots disease, a common garden disease.
Planting
Peonies in containers
Gardeners
with terrace or deck gardens, or those who lack the space to plant in the ground, may grow
peonies in pots. We have tried many kinds of pots for planting. Peonies planted in clay or
plastic pots require continual replanting, as the roots girdle and stop the plant from
growing. Root control bags are the best solution. These are made from a non-woven plastic
fabric that looks like felt, is fast draining and very durable.
This type
of container provides quick drainage and allows hair roots to grow through the sides of
the bag. The roots are "naturally" pruned by their exposure to air, and will not
girdle. This bag may be placed in any decorative pot or planter, which has good drainage.
If the
ground freezes where you live, plants in bags must be insulated or stored at 2-5°C
(35-40°F), root control bags can be sunk into the ground in the fall, or insulated with
bubble wrap or a similar material.
A peony in
a root control bag can be set into the ground and will be easy to lift out without
damaging the roots if you move. The bags are not biodegradable and can be left in place
for 5 years or so before repotting. Plants are shipped with easy to read and detailed
planting instructions.
Place the
potted tree peony where it will get at least 4 hours of sun. When the plant is in bloom,
move it into a fully shaded location for longer lasting flowers. All herbaceous peonies do
equally well in pots, but prefer full sun.
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