Blooming Season
The peony blooming season varies according to geography and weather. In the Northeast, the Very Early peonies typically arrive in late May, and the Late peonies bloom in late June, thereby covering a total blooming period of approximately 45 to 60 days.
Here are some general blooming season guidelines for the Northeast:
Very Early | Late May |
Early | Early June |
Midseason | Mid-June |
Late | Late June |
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Flower Types
The Single peony flower comprises five or more broad petals that surround a mass of pollen-bearing stamens and seed-bearing carpels. Krinkled White and Scarlet O’Hara are two examples.
The Semi-double flower has fertile stamens surrounded by a few layers of petals. Coral Sunset and Coral Charm are Semi-double flowers.
The Full Double flower has no stamens but contains all large petals. Kansas and Lady Alexander Duff are both Full Double peonies.
The Bomb type flower, like Charlies White, has smaller petals that form a mound or bomb in the center of the larger outer petals.
With the Japanese type flower, such as Cream Puff, the stamens have widened and may resemble shredded petals surrounded by larger outer petals.
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- Peonies of good stock that are planted correctly are among the easiest and longest living perennial plants to grow. After planting, peonies require little ongoing care.
- Plant peonies in the autumn to ensure that their feeder roots have a chance to become established before spring bloom.
- Read all planting instructions. If peonies are planted incorrectly, they will not blossom.
- Select a planting site with well-drained garden soil that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. Good air circulation around plants is very important in fighting disease, so plants should be approximately 30" apart. Warmth, or lack thereof, can affect the color of the flowers, and hot weather can lead to short-lived blooms.
- The planting hole should be at least 15" deep by 30" wide. Dig out soil and mix it with well-aged compost or well-rotted manure. Partially fill the hole with this mixture, place the plant root on top, and then cover it with a maximum of 2" of more mixed soil. NEVER use fresh manure, as it will burn the root.
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- If planted correctly, most peonies will bloom during their first year, and they are generally in full regalia by their third growing season. After that, they can continue to bloom for 40 or more years.
- Fertilize in the fall a year after planting with a well-balanced fertilizer such as 5-10-10 or 10-10-10. Avoid too much nitrogen. Use only 2 oz. per plant. By the third year and thereafter, fertilize first in the late fall and then again at flowering time.
- Peonies do not like to be moved, so plan your site and grouping carefully before planting. If you wish to move peonies for any reason, be sure to divide the plants. Cut off all foliage to about 2" above soil. Using a sharp-pointed shovel, dig to an approximate 16" radius from the center of the plant, split the plant in the middle, and remove plant parts from soil. Clean off remaining soil, exposing roots and stems, or eyes if plant has been dormant. Make any other necessary separations with a sharp knife, then replant.
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