Meet the Herbaceous Garden Peony
Herbaceous Garden Peony | Paeonia spp.
How do you know it’s me?:
I am an herbaceous perennial, growing in a clump form.
I have compound leaves (made up of smaller leaves, called leaflets), that sit alternately along my stems.
My flowers are large (4”-8” across) and heavy, with layers of frilly-edged petals. Sometimes there are so many layers of petals, they obscure the center of my flower.
On some varieties, where the center of my flower is visible, my stamens are also showy.
Sometimes my flowers are fragrant.
How big do I grow?: 1’ - 3’ height and spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Full sun to part shade. I prefer some afternoon shade in hotter areas.
Where I prefer to put my roots: I need rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Zone 5-7, sometimes 8.
Original home: Most species originate in Asia, but some are from Europe.
Colors: My flowers can be pink, yellow, red, purple, or white, depending on the variety.
When I bloom: Late spring to early summer.
Wildlife friends: Sometimes, I will attract butterflies. I also have a mutually beneficial relationship with ants.
Flora Fun Facts: Ants are often found on my flower buds, but they are harmless. In fact, they protect my buds from other insect damage while enjoying the nectar that is secreted there.
More Info: This perennial garden favorite packs a punch with its grand, extravagant blooms - so puffy and large that they sometimes catch the weight of May showers and become grounded in a pool of petals. The Peony is not a humble flower, and demands to be noticed and admired in its efforts to outshine its neighbors for a couple weeks around the turn of the spring season.
A member of the Paeoniaceae (Peony) family.
Generally derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Require a lot of water until they are established, and may not flower for the first couple of years after planting.
They require a cold period to successfully form buds, and may not grow well in some southern climates.
Generally bloom for 1-2 weeks.
Plants can be divided in the fall and transplanted.
Supports may be required for some varieties, especially those with large double flowers that become particularly heavy after a rain.
The many different flower forms have different names: Varieties with the center stamens visible can be considered "Single," "Lotus," or "Japanese." When the stamens become extra showy, almost like a layer of additional petals, they are the "Anemone" type. The more globular, incredibly layered flower forms are known as "Semi-Double," "Double," or "Bomb." The center of the flower is usually obscured in these cases.
Peonies make a wonderful cut flower, and are perfect for planting along a walkway or a garden border.
Deadheading spent blooms is recommended, as well as a light fertilizing after the flowers have bloomed.
Peonies symbolize good luck, warm wishes, and prosperity. Due to their end-of-spring bloom time, they are a traditional Memorial Day flower.
