Peony-Spring Splendor in the Garden

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Peony have been a welcome addition in the landscape for centuries in Asia, Europe and North America and around the world. Their position as a symbol of beauty and remembrance goes back as far as 2000 years.  While once used only for their medicinal properties peony's presence in art and horticulture have been prevalent over the centuries and they are now grown for their overwhelming beauty in the landscape.  

Peonies grow best in Zones 3-8 in full to part sun and prefer a moist, well-drained organic soil. Peony do prefer to be grown with their roots kept cool and protected which can be achieved by planting around them.   


Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'

Mildly fragrant blossoms come in a variety of four different shapes including single, semi-double, double and anemone (also known as Imperial or Japanese).  They range in color from red to pink to coral to white and yellow in a few tree forms and are grown either as herbaceous shrub form (30-36 inches) or deciduous tree form (3-4 feet). Herbaceous peonies die back in winter, re-growing in spring and tree peony lose their leaves in winter but leave woody stems. One of my personal favorites is the beautiful Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt' shown in the photo above with its magnificent double pink blooms that highlight the garden from May to June. Some other popular varieties of peony are ‘Shirley Temple’ (white flowers), ‘Karl Rosenfeld’ (double red flowers) and ‘Festiva Maxima’ (double white flowers).

Paeonia lactiflora Largo

Peony do not like to be moved once established and do best when planted in fall or early spring.  They are sold as either a potted plant or bare root. If you decide to divide your peony dig the tuber up in mid fall. Cut the tuber into several sections making sure that each part has an “eye” as this is where the new plant reproduces. Plant the tubers with the eye facing upwards covered by 2-3 inches of soil. If you do have to move or divide your peony perform this chore with care. Since Peony are sensitive to moving there is always a risk of loosing them.  



Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld'

After blooming the dark green foliage of these plants remains attract-ive in the garden through-out fall. Once the foliage starts to die back, peony should be cut to just above the ground to protect from disease. Peony do need a cool dormant period to survive but to protect the roots provide a covering of mulch or leaves during winter. In warmer climates it may be advisable to dig up and store the tubers in a cool spot and re-plant them in spring.


If you are looking for a beautiful spring addition for your garden then Peony is the plant for you. I for one look forward to  enjoying the elegance and beauty of this perennial in my own gardens year after year.

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.