Perennial bush.

The peonies (Paeonia spp.) in my garden are cherished gems, weaving a tapestry of joy and beauty. With their lush, extravagant blooms, they transform the landscape into a paradise of colors, from soft pastels to bold hues. Each spring, their arrival is a breath of fresh air, a poetic dance that heralds the season’s full bloom. Beyond their stunning appearance, the intoxicating fragrance envelops the garden, creating an enchanting sensory experience. These resilient long living perennials demand little but give generously, returning year after year with grace. The nostalgia they evoke and the elegance they exude make my garden a haven of love, courtesy of my beloved peonies.

Planting peonies in your garden is a timeless investment in beauty and enduring elegance. Their opulent, fragrant blooms, ranging from blushing pinks to rich reds, become radiant focal points, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Peonies contribute a touch of nostalgia and romance, evoking classic charm. Incorporate them strategically in your garden design, placing them as show-stopping centerpieces or along borders for a lush backdrop. Pairing peonies with contrasting foliage enhances their allure, creating dynamic and harmonious compositions. Their longevity and low-maintenance nature ensure that your garden becomes a captivating haven, effortlessly radiating the timeless grace of these beloved blooms.

Hardiness Zones

Peonies are generally hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Steps for Thriving

1. Sunlight
   • Full Sun: Plant peonies in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Soil
   • Well-Drained Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Peonies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
   • Rich Soil: Amend with organic matter like compost for nutrient-rich soil.
3. Planting
   • Timing: Plant peonies in late summer to early fall for best results.
   • Depth: Plant the eyes (buds) of the peony roots 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
4. Spacing
   • Planting Distance: Space peonies 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
5. Watering
   • Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
   • Avoid Waterlogged Soil: Peonies don’t like to be waterlogged, so well-draining soil is crucial.
6. Mulching
   • Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
7. Support
   • Staking: Provide support for the heavy blooms with stakes or peony rings to prevent them from flopping.
8. Fertilizing
   • Low Maintenance: Peonies are not heavy feeders. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
9. Disease Management
   • Good Air Circulation: Ensure proper spacing for air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
   • Remove Debris: Clean up debris in the fall to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
10. Division
    • Infrequent Division: Peonies can go for years without needing division, but if necessary, do it in the fall.
11. Winter Care
    • Cut Back Stems: Cut back stems to ground level in late fall after the first frost.
12. Companion Planting
    • Choose Companions Wisely: Pair with plants that share similar cultural requirements.

By following these steps, you can create an optimal environment for peonies to thrive, producing their iconic, luxurious blooms season after season. Adjust care based on specific local conditions and the particular needs of your peony variety.

Propagating Peonies

Peonies can be propagated through division, and it’s best done in the fall. Follow these steps to successfully propagate peonies:

Best Time for Division

• Late summer to early fall, typically September, is the ideal time for dividing and propagating peonies.

Steps for Propagation

1. Digging Up the Peony
   • Use a garden fork to carefully lift the entire clump of peony from the ground. Shake off excess soil.
2. Cleaning and Trimming
   • Remove excess soil and inspect the peony clump for healthy tubers (roots).
   • Trim the foliage back to about 2 inches from the ground.
3. Division
   • Locate natural divisions or “eyes” on the tuberous roots. Each division should have at least three to four eyes.
   • Using a sharp, clean knife, divide the tuber into sections, ensuring each section has viable eyes.
4. Inspecting for Health
   • Discard any parts of the tuber that appear diseased or damaged.
5. Preparing the Planting Site
   • Choose a well-drained, sunny location for replanting. Amend the soil with organic matter.
6. Planting the Divisions
   • Plant each division with the eyes facing upward and just below the soil surface.
   • Ensure proper spacing, typically 3 to 4 feet apart.
7. Watering
   • Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil.
8. Mulching
   • Apply a layer of mulch around the newly planted divisions to insulate them during winter.
9. Staking
   • Consider providing support for the newly planted divisions to prevent them from flopping.
10. Patience
    • Newly divided peonies may take a year or two to become fully established and bloom.

Additional tips

• Dividing peonies every 5-10 years helps rejuvenate the plant, promote better flowering, and prevent overcrowding.
• Ensure each division has a healthy set of eyes, as this is where new shoots will emerge.

By following these steps, you can successfully propagate peonies, creating new plants and ensuring the longevity of these beloved garden perennials.

Peony Varieties for Northern Gardens

For northern gardens with colder climates, it’s essential to select peony varieties that are hardy and can withstand the harsh winter conditions.

Here are some recommended peony varieties known for their resilience and beauty in northern gardens:

1. ‘Karl Rosenfield’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’) – An iconic double red peony with strong stems, known for its reliability and vibrant color.
2. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’) – A classic pink double peony with a delightful fragrance and sturdy growth habit.
3. ‘Bowl of Beauty’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’) – A unique, Japanese-style peony with pink outer petals and a central cluster of creamy-yellow staminodes.
4. ‘Shirley Temple’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’) – A lovely double peony with blush-white petals and a sweet fragrance, adding a touch of elegance to the garden.
5. ‘Festiva Maxima’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’) – A stunning white peony with crimson flecks at the center, known for its timeless beauty and strong stems.
6. ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Duchesse de Nemours’) – A classic white peony with a delightful fragrance and an abundance of petals, creating a lush, full bloom.
7. ‘Red Charm’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Red Charm’) – A deep red, fully double peony with a compact growth habit, making it suitable for northern gardens.
8. ‘Coral Charm’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’) – A unique coral-peach peony that transitions from coral to a softer hue as it matures, offering a captivating display.
9. ‘Alexander Fleming’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Alexander Fleming’) – A vibrant pink peony with a pleasant fragrance, known for its strong stems and long-lasting blooms.
10. ‘Nippon Beauty’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Nippon Beauty’) – An attractive Japanese-style peony with creamy-white petals and a center of golden-yellow staminodes.

When selecting peonies for northern gardens, consider factors such as hardiness, bloom time, and growth habits. Additionally, proper planting and care practices, including adequate winter protection, contribute to the success of these peony varieties in colder climates.

Buying Peony Plants Online

When looking to buy the best peony plants online, consider reputable nurseries and specialty growers that offer a wide selection of high-quality peony varieties. Here are some well-regarded online sources for purchasing peony plants:

1. Hollingsworth Peonies
2. Swenson Gardens Peonies
3. Peony’s Envy
4. Hidden Springs Flower Farm
5. White Flower Farm
   • Website: White Flower Farm
6. Brooks Gardens Peonies
   • Website: Brooks Gardens
7. Joy Creek Nursery
8. Brecks

Before making a purchase, be sure to check customer reviews, shipping policies, and guarantees provided by the online nursery. Additionally, verify the hardiness of the peony varieties to ensure they are suitable for your gardening zone. It’s always a good idea to buy from reputable sources that specialize in peonies for the best results.

Caring for peonies in flower arrangements

Cutting peonies for the vase

The single most important factor in peony longevity as a cut flower is knowing when to cut them.

Cut peonies when the buds are at what florists call the “marshmallow stage,” meaning the bud is soft enough to gently squeeze and give slightly under pressure, like a marshmallow, but has not yet opened. At this stage the flower has enough energy to fully open indoors and will last significantly longer than a bloom cut in full flower.

Cut stems early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Use sharp, clean scissors or floral shears and cut at a 45-degree angle to maximize the surface area available for water uptake. Choose stems with at least two to three sets of leaves, as the foliage helps feed the bloom.

Preparing stems for the arrangement

• Recut stems under water or immediately before placing in water to prevent air bubbles from blocking the stem
• Remove all foliage that will fall below the waterline, as submerged leaves rot quickly and contaminate the water with bacteria
• Strip any guard petals that are damaged, browning, or papery, as these can harbor bacteria
• Place cut stems immediately into a clean vase filled with fresh, cool water

Water and vase care

Water quality and cleanliness are critical for peony longevity.

• Use cool or room temperature water, never warm, as peonies prefer a cooler environment
• Change the water every one to two days, or whenever it begins to look cloudy
• Recut the stems each time you change the water
• Keep the vase scrupulously clean, as bacteria are the primary enemy of cut flowers
• Add a commercial floral preservative to the water, which provides sugar for energy, acidifies the water to improve uptake, and contains a biocide to slow bacterial growth
• If you do not have floral preservative, a small amount of sugar combined with a few drops of bleach in the water is a reasonable substitute

Environment and placement

Where you place your arrangement makes a significant difference in how long the blooms last.

• Keep peonies away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and air conditioning drafts
• Display them in the coolest room available
• Move the arrangement to a cool location overnight, such as a garage or basement, to significantly extend vase life
• Keep peonies away from ripening fruit, particularly apples and bananas, which emit ethylene gas that accelerates petal drop and aging
• Avoid placing them near open windows where wind can damage delicate petals

Reviving wilting peonies

If your peonies begin to wilt prematurely, try these revival techniques before giving up on them.

• Recut the stems at a sharp angle and place them in very warm, almost hot water for 30 minutes, then transfer to cool water
• Submerge the entire stem and bloom in cool water for 20 to 30 minutes, which can rehydrate stressed flowers
• Mist the petals lightly with cool water
• Remove any fully spent blooms from the arrangement so the remaining flowers are not competing for resources

Encouraging tight buds to open

If you cut peonies at the marshmallow stage and want to encourage them to open more quickly:

• Place them in a warm room with indirect light
• Use slightly warm water
• A gentle misting of the bud can help loosen the petals

If you want to slow the opening process and extend the display:

• Keep buds in a cool room or even the refrigerator wrapped loosely in damp paper and plastic
• Peonies can be stored this way for up to two to three weeks, making them excellent flowers for planning ahead for events

Ants on peonies

Many gardeners notice ants on peony buds, both in the garden and sometimes on freshly cut stems. The ants are attracted to a sweet nectar secreted by the buds and are harmless to the flower. Before bringing cut stems indoors, gently shake or rinse the stems with cool water to remove any ants. They do not need to be present for the buds to open, despite the old folk belief that ants are necessary for peonies to bloom.

Expected vase life

With proper care, peonies cut at the marshmallow stage can last:

• 5 to 7 days at average room temperature
• 7 to 10 days in a cool environment with diligent water changes
• Up to 2 to 3 weeks if refrigerated as unopen buds and brought out gradually

Peonies are one of the most rewarding cut flowers you can grow or purchase, and with attentive care they reward you with some of the most spectacular and fragrant blooms of any flower in the garden

History and origins

Ancient beginnings

The peony is one of the oldest cultivated flowering plants in the world, with a history spanning more than 2,000 years. Its origins trace back to China, where it was first documented during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 to 256 BCE). Early Chinese writings reference the peony as both a medicinal plant and an object of beauty, making it one of the few flowers to hold dual significance from its earliest recorded history.

The botanical name, Paeonia, comes from Greek mythology. According to legend, Paeon was a physician to the gods who used a peony root to heal Pluto after he was wounded by Hercules. Jealous of his student’s skill, the god of medicine Asclepius threatened to kill Paeon. To save him, Zeus transformed Paeon into the peony flower, granting him a kind of immortality through the plant.

Chinese flower of riches and honor

China is the true heartland of the peony. During the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581 to 907 CE), the tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) became an obsession among the Chinese aristocracy and imperial court. Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty famously cultivated peonies in the imperial gardens at Chang’an, and the poet Li Bai wrote celebrated verses in their honor.

The city of Luoyang became the peony capital of China and remains so today, hosting an annual Peony Festival that draws millions of visitors. The Chinese gave the peony the title “King of Flowers” (花王, Huā Wáng), a designation it still carries.

Peonies were also deeply embedded in Chinese symbolism:

• Wealth and prosperity
• Honor and high social status
• Romance and feminine beauty
• Good fortune and a happy marriage

The herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) was cultivated in China for medicinal use for over 1,500 years, with its root used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat pain, inflammation, and menstrual disorders.

Refinement and Spiritual Meaning in Japan

Peonies were introduced to Japan from China around the 8th century CE, likely carried by Buddhist monks. The Japanese embraced the peony with their characteristic aesthetic refinement, calling it Botan (牡丹). It became a symbol of:

• Bravery and honor, particularly in samurai culture
• Good fortune and prosperity
• The transient beauty of life, echoing the concept of mono no aware

The peony appears extensively in Japanese woodblock prints, textiles, and tattoo art, often paired with lions or dragons as symbols of power and protection.

Medicinal Wonder to Garden Treasure of Europe

The peony arrived in Europe through ancient trade and knowledge networks. Greek and Roman physicians, including Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, wrote about the peony’s powerful medicinal properties. It was used to treat:

• Epilepsy and convulsions
• Nightmares and mental disturbances
• Kidney and bladder ailments
• Childbirth complications

Medieval European herbalists considered the peony almost magical in its healing power. It was believed that the plant had to be harvested at night to avoid being seen by woodpeckers, which were said to peck out the eyes of anyone who gathered the root in daylight.

By the 16th and 17th centuries, European interest shifted from medicinal use to ornamental cultivation. Botanical explorers and traders brought new varieties from China and Japan, and European horticulturalists began developing their own hybrids.

Golden age of hybridization (19th century)

The 1800s marked an explosion of peony cultivation in Europe and North America. French hybridizers, particularly Victor Lemoine and his son Emile, developed hundreds of new double-flowered herbaceous varieties that became the foundation of modern garden peonies. Many of those classic French cultivars are still grown today.

In the United States, the American Peony Society was founded in 1903, reflecting the flower’s enormous popularity among gardeners and collectors.

Peonies today

There are approximately 33 known species of peony, divided into three main groups:

• Herbaceous peonies, which die back to the ground each winter
• Tree peonies, which are woody shrubs that retain their structure year-round
• Itoh or intersectional peonies, a 20th-century hybrid cross between herbaceous and tree peonies developed by Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh in the 1940s

The peony is the state flower of Indiana and the national flower of China. It remains one of the most beloved garden flowers in the world, prized for its extravagant blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and remarkable longevity. A well-established peony plant can live and bloom for 100 years or more with minimal care, making it one of the most enduring living connections to garden history.

Updated and republished since November 5, 2023.

©2024 Suzy Mottet bloomhearty.com writing, creation, and design