peony

Peonies do best in cooler climates and are hardy from zones 3 - 8. Peonies need a cold dormant period to survive. In warmer climates, it may be advisable to dig up your peony tubers and cold store them for a few months and replant them again in the spring.

Peonies grow best in full to part sun with well drained but moist, humus rich soil. Some of the fuller blossom peonies need to be staked in early spring to keep them from falling over when they bloom.

Peonies can be propagated by division or by growing from seed. It is not advisable to try to grow peonies from seed as they can take up to 3 years to germinate. On the other hand, peonies do not like to be disturbed and digging them up for dividing may cause the plant to die. Most experts agree that dividing is the best way to propagate peonies, but just keep in mind that you may loose a few of them.

To divide a peony plant, dig the tuber up in early to mid fall. Cut the tuber up, making sure that each section has an "eye" (much like a potato eye). Replant the tuber piece with the eye upward with at least two inches of soil over the eye.

The delicate splendor of the peony is a great addition to a late spring/early summer garden. Once established, a peony will grow for literally decades and may even out live you. Isn't that the type of legacy you would love to leave in your garden

The Peonies I have in my photo had to be put on my porch . the blooms were full of ants.