Peonies are lush, romantic flowering plants known for their large, ruffled blooms and sweet fragrance. Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, they come in a stunning array of colours—from soft pinks and creamy whites to deep reds and vibrant corals. Blooming in late spring to early summer, peonies are a favourite in both gardens and bouquets, often symbolizing prosperity, romance, and honour. Their blooms can be single, semi-double, or fully double, and they thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. With their timeless beauty and graceful presence, peonies add elegance and charm wherever they grow.
Choose the Right Spot Peonies love: Full sun (at least 6 hours a day) Well-drained soil (they hate soggy roots) A place where they can stay undisturbed for years
Planting Time Best time: Fall (September–October) You can also plant in early spring, but fall gives them a head start.
How to Plant Depth matters! For bare-root peonies, plant the eyes (small reddish buds) just 1–2 inches below the surface. Space them about 3 feet apart so they get good air circulation.
Watering & Feeding Water deeply after planting, and during dry spells in their first year. Once established, they’re low-maintenance. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Support the Blooms Some varieties have big, heavy flowers that may need staking or a support ring to keep them from flopping over.
Pruning & Care Deadhead faded blooms to keep things tidy. In fall, after the leaves die back, cut stems to the ground and dispose of them (helps prevent disease).
Be Patient Peonies take a couple of years to settle in. You might not get big blooms the first year or two, but once they’re happy, they’ll bloom beautifully for decades!
Timing is Everything For cut flowers: Harvest when the buds are in the "marshmallow stage"—not tight like a bullet, but soft and just starting to show color. Gently squeeze the bud; if it feels like a marshmallow, it’s ready. If you wait until they’re fully open, they won’t last as long in a vase.
Cut in the Morning Early morning is best when the stems are full of moisture. Avoid cutting in the heat of the day.
Use Clean, Sharp Tools Use clean pruning shears or scissors to avoid spreading disease. Cut the stem at an angle, about 14–18 inches long or as needed.
Leave Enough Foliage Don’t take too many leaves! Peonies need their leaves to store energy for next year. Rule of thumb: Leave at least 2–3 sets of leaves on the plant.
Store (If Needed) Want to store peonies for later (like a wedding)? Wrap the buds in dry newspaper. Place them horizontally in a plastic bag. Store in the fridge (not freezer) for up to 2–3 weeks. When ready, trim the ends and place in water—they’ll open up!
Vase Tips Remove leaves below the waterline. Change water every couple of days. Keep out of direct sun and heat to make them last longer.
