Rosebrook Gardens Peonies: All You Need To Know
My peonies in my garden are out of control and I love it! My home has probably been the most photographed and filmed home in Fairfield County, and my peonies have served as an inspiration for all who have visited Rosebrook Gardens over the years. This spectacular display only comes once a year but it’s so worth the wait.
That said, peonies originated in Asia, and have been cultivated in both Japan and China for several centuries and is China’s national flower, where it has also had major influence in decorative patterns for the home and wardrobe. Peonies are an early groundbreaker, producing reddish shoots as early as April in the Northern Hemisphere. They are a tall plant, ranging from 1-5 ft in height and their branching stems produce glossy deep green leaves that taper to a point on each end, each leaf growing up to 5 inches in length. There are literally hundreds of varieties that have been developed over the centuries, and yet most peonies share both a common origin and fairly similar characteristics. Most of the varieties of peony today are hybrids of the two original species of this plant: Paeonia officinalis and Paeonia lactiflora, the second one also know as the tree peony which differs slightly in appearance.
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So what makes my peonies growth and show of flowers so awesome? To achieve the best flowers plant them in full sun. Although they will tolerate some light afternoon shade, go with more light than less. Peonies are easy to grow, as they are not hard to please with soil conditions, but will always benefit from a little organic material and compost when they are planted. They are hardy from zone 8 to zone 2 making them perfect for many of us.
The most popular is the Paeonia officinalis species as often seen in gardens and used as an ornamental flower. These species produces creeping roots that help to spread the plant giving it a lush bush effect.
But there are many options: Double peonies are more fragrant than singles, pinks and whites tend to be more fragrant than the reds. Here at Rosebrook Gardens my collection of Festive Maxima and Edulis Superba offer a powerful kick to the garden and anyone in the vicinity. Mind-blowing to look at and so fragrant that one can’t help but stop, pause and smell these flowers. Although their season as a garden flower is rather short—three to six weeks—this all adds to their stunning allure and beauty. Here from my office I can overlook the 22 peonies that were planted over a decade ago. Back then I paid $15.00 for each on sale, but today their beauty supersedes their price. I’m intoxicated as their abundant fragrance is captured and blows through the office windows. When I am home my gardens are close to inspire me to write, so this article is my way to share their joy with you.
Truth be told, the best time to plant peonies and find the best deals are in early fall when the flowers are spent and the nurseries are looking to reduce their inventory. I always find September to October the best time to find the deals and plant new. This is true for most plants as it gives them the much-needed time to become established come winter and allowing them to go dormant to rest for the winter season.
Here's how to get more flowers from each plant. If there are more than 2 buds on a stalk, snip off the smallest one. This gives more energy to the larger blooms which will create a more spectacular flower. Don’t even consider saving them if they are no bigger than a nickel. Snip these smaller buds and place them in a small bud vase. It takes some time but most will bloom making it worth the wait. Also, make sure to remove the flowers as soon as they fade to prevent seed development as this will effect next year’s blooms if they are left on the plant. Wait till late fall to cut back foliage to three inches above the ground level. In the event you need to transplant or divide your peonies, do this only when the plant is well established. Typically, Peonies do not need dividing for ten to fifteen years so this offers you many years of enjoyment with no real work required on your part. You just have to love that.
When should you pick the flowers? Excellent question. When several petals have begun to emerge, select the buds that feel like a "soft marshmallow" when you squeeze them. Picking is best done in the early morning or in the evening. The light is less direct, the air is starting to cool and plants are regaining their water and carbohydrate balance. Good to know right?
This year I did something new when I tied them back by using a beautiful nylon ribbon, adding a splash of color and a creative alterative to garden twine. The lavender tieback helps each plant and flower stay upright and supported, resisting breaking. This week I began creating the endless bouquets that will bless my home for the next weeks, validating that the flower-picking season has begun. It’s a vision that takes me back to the day I planted them. Today they’re the perfect example of what a Peony plant should look like and I’m delighted to have this magnificent display to share with all who love their goddess-like knockout effects. I say “Pick the flowers, but make sure you share them with those people you love.”
And there you have it.
Posted Comments (Post a comment to this page)
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Laura Valenciaq 07/23/2009 @ 09:32 PM |
Re: Peonies I have never grown Peonies; the flower is Beautiful I love the pink ones. I need every bit of advice will help with my new Garden. Laura ~ |
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geri 06/08/2009 @ 08:11 PM |
OMG Dear Mar, Oh My God, the peonies this year are not to be believed. I am so grateful to be one of th few recipients of your magnificent peonies. They are fragrant, lush and simply divine. I have been waiting patiently this year for my annual bouquet. Each year they are more beautiful than the last. I only wish your website and blog could have a scratch and sniff so that everyone who reads it could smell the intoxicating aroma of these flowers. Thank you so much for sharing them with me. xxoo dina |