Peonies are beautiful flowering plants that are popular in gardens due to their large, showy blooms and fragrant flowers

Vase Life - 7-10 days

Favorite Varieties

• The double, ruffly, petal-filled ones. I don't have any names in particular because I am not familiar with many of them. I do know I love the big fluffy ones, hands down over the singles.

In the Garden

• Choosing the right location: Peonies thrive in full sun to light shade. Select a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.

• Planting depth: Peonies should be planted with the "eyes" (small reddish buds) just below the soil surface, about 1-2 inches deep. Planting them too deep can inhibit blooming.

• Spacing: Give each peony plant enough space to grow and spread. Space them about 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.

• Watering: Provide regular watering during the first year after planting to help the roots establish. After that, peonies are generally drought-tolerant and only require watering during dry periods.

When to plant:

• Planting time: Peonies are typically planted in the fall, but you can also plant them in early spring. If planting in the fall, do so at least 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes to allow the roots to establish.

Winter Care:

• Clean up all the brown foliage and throw away to help keep down the spread of disease

• Mulch, but not right up to the stems. Clearing away the mulch in the spring.

In the Vase:

Choose the right time:

• Cut peonies when they are in the bud stage, just before they fully open. This will give them more time to bloom fully in the vase.

• It is often called the marshmallow stage, when the bud is soft like a marshmallow.

Caring for Peonies After they finish flowering

• deadhead the blooms

• keep watering and caring for your peony all summer.

• Watch for powdery mildew and other fungus. They may need to be treated.