- origin and distribution
- use
- appearance and growth
- leaves
- flowers and flowering time
- fruit
- toxicity
- Which location is suitable?
- floor
- pot culture
- Planting peonies properly
- What is the best planting time?
- The right planting distance
- watering peony
- Fertilize peonies properly
- Properly cut peony
- propagate peony
- diseases and pests
- species and varieties
Peonies, also known in some places as country roses, have been an integral part of European gardens for centuries. Typical for both farm and monastery gardens, the uncomplicated and beautifully flowering species is still very popular today. This article tells you how to properly plant and care for the robust plant that will flower for decades.
As the name suggests, the peony blooms at Pentecost
Table of Contents
Show all- origin and distribution
- use
- appearance and growth
- leaves
- flowers and flowering time
- fruit
- toxicity
- Which location is suitable?
- floor
- pot culture
- Planting peonies properly
- What is the best planting time?
- The right planting distance
- watering peony
- Fertilize peonies properly
- Properly cut peony
- propagate peony
- diseases and pests
- species and varieties
- 'Karl Rosenfield': Paeonia lactiflora, purple, double flowers, old variety
- 'Sarah Bernhardt': Paeonia lactiflora, light pink, double flowers, old variety
- 'Alba Plena': Paeonia officinalis, white, double flowers
- 'Cora Louise': Itoh hybrid, flowers creamy white with a violet-reddish basal spot, semi-double
- 'Garden Treasure': Itoh hybrid, flowers pale yellow with red basal spots, semi-double
- 'Bartzella': Itoh hybrid, lemon yellow flowers, semi-double
- 'Otto Froebel': Paeonia peregrina, single pink flowers
- 'Sunshine': Paeonia peregrina, single, red flowers
- 'Carina': Hybrid, semi-double, red flowers
- 'Candy Stripe': Paeonia lactiflora, showy, multicolored flowers: white with purple stripes, double
origin and distribution
Peonies, also known as peonies after their Latin name Paeonia, are the only genus in the plant family of the peony family (Paeoniaceae). There are peonies that grow as shrubs and perennials, with only the first variant becoming woody. Perennial peonies, on the other hand, die off above ground over the winter, only to sprout again the following spring.
But no matter which of the 32 species it is: peonies are only found in the northern hemisphere of the earth, but on almost all continents with the exception of the Arctic. With the exception of two peony species, all the others are native to Europe and Asia, with perennial peonies such as the common peony (Paeonia officinalis) having their home in the mountainous regions of southern Europe. Shrub or tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa hybrids) and precious peonies (Paeonia lactiflora hybrids), on the other hand, come from China and have been cultivated there for more than 2000 years.
The wild species of today's cultural hybrids thrive primarily in sparse mountain forests and in the rough steppe regions of the temperate and subtropical climate zones.
use
In Europe, the common or farmer's peony is one of the oldest garden plants of all. Not only the simple, but also the double varieties with their mostly pink to dark red flowers have been cultivated for centuries. Traditionally, this perennial peony is planted together with the magnificent cranesbill (Geranium x magnificum) and the cranesbill (Alchemilla mollis), primarily in the front yard or in the flower bed. It can also be used as a companion plant, for example along the main path to the front door.
On the other hand, the Lactiflora hybrids, which were imported from Asia early on, can - like other shrub peonies - be used very well in Asian-style gardens, for example in combination with hostas or bamboo. A bamboo grove planted as a privacy hedge, which is accompanied by various peonies in the foreground, looks pretty.
The net-leaf peony (Paeonia tenuifolia), which comes from the steppes of Asia, is perfect for dry and full sun locations, and is best used individually in a rock or gravel garden.
appearance and growth
All peonies are perennial, deciduous plants that, with good care, can remain in the same location for many decades. Growth form and height depend essentially on whether it is a tree peony or a herbaceous peony.
Shrub peonies grow up to 200 centimeters long, woody shoots that are remarkably thick. However, the upright shrubs branch very little and also grow very slowly. Perennial peonies, on the other hand, grow to a maximum height of about 60 to 100 centimeters and thus remain significantly smaller. This is not surprising, since these varieties sprout again every spring and otherwise overwinter in bulbous storage roots (the so-called rhizomes) just below the surface of the earth.
The still relatively young Itoh hybrids develop a rather herbaceous but vigorous growth and larger flowers, which are hybrids of shrub and perennial peonies.
leaves
Perennial peonies sprout in spring with striking, dark red shoots, from which both the strong flower stalks and the long leaf stalks with the large, alternate arranged and imparipinnate leaves develop. Shrub peonies, on the other hand, usually have doubly pinnate and light to blue-green colored leaves, which are also arranged alternately.
flowers and flowering time
The very large flowers, measuring more than 20 centimeters in some varieties, are always located at the end of the long, thick flower stalks. They are outwardly similar to rose petals and can be single, semi-double or fully double. Incidentally, the largest flower heads develop in bushy peonies.
The flower colors usually vary between different shades of pink and red, but there are also white or yellow flowering varieties. The flowers of some varieties also have an intense fragrance, which is why the dried petals of these peonies are often used for potpourris.
Most varieties bloom in spring or early summer between May and June, but only for a few weeks.
fruit
Butterflies, bumblebees and other insects like to fly to peonies, which also ensure that the large flowers are fertilized. Large pods then develop, which open as they ripen in the fall, revealing dark seeds up to one centimeter in size. The fruits with the shiny seeds can remain on the plant without any problems, especially since they give the plant an attractive and interesting appearance even outside the flowering period.
toxicity
The peony has been used in naturopathy since ancient times. Roots, petals and seeds are said to help against cramps, as well as with intestinal problems and gout. Even today, homeopathy knows peony roots as a remedy for hemorrhoids. The extent to which these remedies are actually effective is of course another matter.
Sometimes the delicate petals of peonies are also recommended for the preparation and decoration of salads, smoothies, desserts and other dishes. However, you should exercise caution, because all parts of the plant contain toxic glycosides and alkaloids, which, if consumed in large quantities, can lead to typical symptoms of poisoning. These include stomach and intestinal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Peonies are only slightly poisonous for humans, although symptoms of poisoning may or may not appear due to the individual tolerance threshold - everyone reacts differently here. On the other hand, caution is advised with small children and pets, as they are smaller and the poison threshold is therefore lower. For dogs, peonies can even be classified as highly toxic.
Which location is suitable?
Most peony species and varieties prefer a location in full sun, which is particularly important for garden peonies. Tree peonies, on the other hand, also do well in a bright, semi-shady spot, provided they are exposed to direct sunlight in the afternoon and evening.
Incidentally, peonies are not suitable for planting under trees or tall shrubs, as the plants cannot deal with root and competitive pressure due to their deep-reaching root system.
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floor
Peonies are not very demanding when it comes to soil conditions. The soil does not need to be too humus-rich, and the plants also do well in loamy or sandy soil - provided it is deep, well-drained and fresh to moist. Only waterlogging and a high groundwater level are unsuitable for peonies, because under the influence of constant moisture, fungal infections and rot are inevitable consequences. Drought, on the other hand, is well tolerated because the storage roots can store moisture.
Before planting, loosen the soil thoroughly and, above all, deeply. The thick roots dig down to a depth of one and a half or even two meters, which is why the soil at the planting site must not be too heavy and too firm. A heavy, water-retaining garden soil can be improved with coarse sand and fine pebbles.
pot culture
Peonies can be cultivated well in sufficiently large planters, which, however, require good drainage and plenty of soil. A mixture of conventional potting soil, coarse sand and clay granules is suitable as a substrate. Choose wide and deep containers so that the dense root network has enough space. Also keep in mind that shrub peonies can grow up to about 200 centimeters high over the years and also take up a lot of space in width. These plants also need a lot of space around them in a pot culture, which is why a small balcony is not very suitable.
In addition to the regular supply of water and nutrients, frost-free wintering must also be ensured. It is best to overwinter perennial peonies in a cool and frost-free place, possibly in the basement or in the garage. The storage roots cannot be adequately protected from the cold due to the small amount of substrate and therefore need support.
Planting peonies properly
With perennial and tree peonies, there is a big difference when it comes to planting: plant perennial peonies as flat as possible in the ground, while tree peonies as deep as possible. There are good reasons for this approach: while perennials that are planted too deep only develop leaves and no flowers, shrubs that are planted too shallowly die after a few years. The shrub-like species are often grafted onto varieties of perennial peonies, which is why the grafting point must be buried between five and ten centimeters deep. This is the only way for the tree peony to develop its own roots - if it cannot do this because the planting is too shallow, the scion will be rejected after a while.
Dig the planting holes about two spade lengths deep and at least 60 centimeters in diameter. Improve loamy soil with coarse sand, granulated clay or gravel, while sandy soil is enhanced with compost. Carefully loosen the bottom of the planting hole and, if necessary, add a drainage layer - for example pebbles and sand.
What is the best planting time?
The best time to plant peonies is early fall, between September and mid-October. At this point, the plants are already going into hibernation. However, the soil and weather are still warm enough for the roots to grow before the cold season. Always cover peonies planted in autumn with brushwood to protect them from frost, because the young plants only acquire winter protection after a few years. Alternatively, planting can also be done in spring.
The right planting distance
Perennial peonies need an average planting distance of 80 centimetres, whereby tall varieties sometimes have to be planted with 100 centimeters of space to the neighboring plant. Tree peonies grow significantly larger and need more space accordingly: Depending on the type and variety, leave between 120 and 150 centimeters of space, although these variants are best used as solitaires anyway.
watering peony
Occasional watering may be necessary, especially in the first year after planting and on dry, sandy soils and during longer dry periods in midsummer. As a rule, however, additional watering is not necessary, since the plants can take care of themselves thanks to their extensive root system. Only specimens cultivated in buckets are dependent on a regular water supply.
Fertilize peonies properly
Planted peonies do not basically need to be fertilized, since the species are weak feeders and therefore only have a low nutrient requirement. Too much fertilizer - especially nitrogen-rich ones - can even weaken the plants, so that there is a risk of disease and pest infestation. Use fertilizers high in phosphate and potassium, applied in spring when needed. Horn shavings (€32.93) and stable manure are not suitable for fertilizing peonies, and compost is also only to a limited extent.
Properly cut peony
Cut perennial peonies close to the ground between October and November, when the stems are beginning to turn brown and dry up. Tree peonies, on the other hand, basically do not need pruning, they also grow so beautifully luxuriantly and do not bare. Only in severe, very frosty winters may branches freeze back, which you cut away in the spring after they have sprouted. However, it is essential to wait for the budding to ensure that you do not accidentally remove any living, flowering buds that are still alive. Withered flower heads can, but do not have to, be cut off. This measure only makes sense to protect endangered peonies from a (renewed) fungal infection.
propagate peony
Perennial peonies can easily be propagated by division. The reproduction of tree peonies is more difficult, because these have to be grafted onto root pieces of the tree peonies. The gardener calls this process wet-nurse propagation, whereby the perennial, as a wet nurse, takes care of the shrub until it has developed its own roots. If this is too complicated for you, you can also try using slightly woody sinkers. Furthermore, propagation is of course also possible via seeds, but it is tedious and afflicted with many sources of error.
diseases and pests
Peonies are very sensitive to fungal diseases, which mainly occur due to fertilization that is too nitrogenous and/or on nutrient-rich soil. The so-called peony botrytis (grey mould), which occurs mainly in specimens planted on humus-rich substrates, is common.
tips
If you dig up and divide an old peony, do not put the pieces back in their original location. Choose a new one instead to prevent floor fatigue. This often causes stunted growth.
species and varieties
There are around 40 different types of peonies worldwide, which not only differ greatly in their growth habit, but also in the development and color of their flowers. There are countless varieties, most of which flower in pink or red tones as well as white. Some of the most beautiful variants for the garden are, for example, these: