Information about Peonies and Peony Flowers

INFORMATION ABOUT PEONIES AND PEONY FLOWERS...

The peony has been a treasured flower in Asia for centuries. And it is no wonder when you look at a peony's delicate tissue paper petals that form the nodding head blossom.

Peonies blossoms come in four different shapes. A single shaped blossom has only a single layer of petals around the center. A semi-double has two, maybe three layers of petals around the cent. A double has a crowd of petals so that the center is not visible. A Japanese looks much like a semi-double but instead of the typical stamens in the center, the center is filled with tiny petals or petaloids.

Some people dislike the peony flower due to the fact that they have a symbiotic relationship with black ants. In early spring, the peony buds will secret a small amount of nectar, which attracts the ant. The ants will then pull slightly at the peony petals to get to the nectar. This helps to loosen the peony's petals and makes it easier for the flower to open. The ants are not absolutely necessary to helping peonies bloom, but they are helpful and do not harm anything. Most gardening experts advise against trying to kill the ants.

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 casue 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