Depending on the variety, their flowers are large, brightly colored and densely filled or open. Peonies are popular for their attractive flowers. But only with the right care, the culture is promising.

The better the care, the more beautiful the peonies

How often are peonies fertilized?

Fertilizing your peonies twice a year will do just fine. They are first fertilized between March and April when they sprout. The second fertilization should take place immediately after flowering, i.e. around the end of June.

Which fertilizers are suitable?

Basically, fertilizers that are less nitrogen-based should be used for fertilizing. Peonies mainly need potassium and a portion of phosphorus for a lush bloom. Organic fertilizers such as compost, horn shavings (32.93€) or horn meal are best suited. Be sure to gently work the fertilizer into the soil, as the peonies' roots are close to the surface.

How and when to prune peonies?

Perennial peonies should be cut back to just above the ground in autumn when the shoots are yellow to brown. It is also advisable to cut off the withered flowers in summer, right after the flowering period. On the one hand, this is more energy-saving for the plant. On the other hand, fungi like to form in the flowers, which can otherwise spread to the entire plant.

How are shrub peonies pruned?

Shrub peonies are cut differently than perennial peonies. Basically, they don't need to be cut at all. It's more of a can. If you want to prune a shrub peony, do it in late fall. Cut the shoots down to the first bud!

Do peonies need to be watered?

Casting is very easy:

  • Water young plants regularly in the first year
  • later the plants are deep-rooted
  • drought is particularly harmful during the flowering period
  • generally water in heat and prolonged drought

Which pests and diseases can occur?

The following pests and diseases can affect peonies:

  • Ants prefer the flowers
  • aphids everywhere
  • Pests usually do not cause any significant damage
  • Gray mold: dried up brown buds and shoots (often in spring)
  • Leaf spot disease: round spots that are purple on the edge

How do you protect the plants in winter?

Peonies are hardy. Only if they were freshly planted should they be protected in winter. Twigs are suitable as winter protection. Attention: Do not fertilize your shrub peonies too late! Otherwise, the shoots can no longer mature properly. It is also important to remove the winter protection before budding.

tips

Unlike other perennials, it is not necessary to regularly divide the peonies. On the contrary, the peonies do not tolerate digging up and replanting very well.

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Vegetable garden