A balcony holiday? If there is a blooming peony in the background, soaking up the sun is twice as much fun. But is this plant even suitable for balcony culture? What claims does she have?

Under good conditions, peonies also thrive on the balcony

Balconies suitable for a peony culture

If you would like to put a peony on your balcony, you should consider that these plants do not like sweltering heat. This is not uncommon in summer on south-facing balconies. The temperatures rise to over 40 °C. These plants suffer as a result. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate peonies only on balconies that face east or west.

Find a suitable planter and fill it with soil

Can you find a suitable location? Then, after buying the peony, you can start planting it in a bucket straight away. Only large buckets with a capacity of at least 10 liters are suitable as planters. The tub should be deep enough as peonies are deep-rooters. Terracotta pots are good.

In general, you should keep in mind that shrub peonies are easier to cultivate on the balcony than perennial peonies. How to plant them depending on the species:

  • Perennial peonies: Cover the buds with a maximum of 5 cm of soil
  • Shrub Peonies: Place the grafting site 5 to 10 cm deep under the ground

What care does the peony need on the balcony?

It is not uncommon for peonies in the bucket on the balcony not to bloom. Even the best care doesn't help. But you should definitely take this into account in the care:

  • keep soil moistured
  • From March to August fertilize every 1 to 2 weeks
  • cut off faded flowers
  • Prune perennial peonies in autumn

Precautions are necessary in winter. In themselves, peonies are hardy. But on the balcony their roots would freeze to death without protection. Put them against the house wall after you have cut them back and cover them with brushwood or: plant them out!

tips

There are now small peony breeds that are perfect for pot culture. This includes, for example, the variety 'Little Medicine Man'.

Category:

Vegetable garden