Frequently Asked Questions
My peonies
Water peonies deeply 1-2 times/week during establishment. Water deeply every 7-10 days in active growth. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture. Mulch for moisture retention. Monitor soil moisture and plant health. Avoid overwatering; peonies can’t survive in submerged conditions.
Remove and destroy any diseased parts. Prune peonies in spring. These measures promote peony health and prevent damage from pests and diseases. Choose disease-resistant varieties, improve air circulation by spacing plants apart, and remove debris.
To plant peonies in your garden, follow these steps:
- Timing: The best time to plant peonies is in late summer or early fall. This allows them to establish their root systems before winter.
- Location: Choose a planting site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Peonies prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Soil preparation: Prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Digging the hole: Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the peony roots. The hole should be about 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep.
- Planting depth: Place the peony roots in the hole, ensuring the eyes (buds) are facing upward. The eyes should be positioned no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can hinder blooming.
- Backfilling: Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the roots. Avoid planting too shallow or too deep. The crown (where the roots meet the stems) should be at ground level.
- Watering: Give the newly planted peony a thorough watering to settle the soil. Provide regular watering during the first few weeks to aid in establishment.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Support: If you are planting large or heavy-flowering peony varieties, consider placing a support structure like a peony cage or stakes around the plant to prevent the stems from drooping. (This is indicated for every peony on our website.)
- Maintenance: After planting, monitor the soil moisture, and water when necessary. Remove any weeds that may compete with the peony for nutrients. In spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
By following these steps, you can successfully plant peonies in your garden and enjoy their beautiful blooms in the seasons to come.
The best month to plant your peonies is September/October, allowing them time to acclimate and establish before winter frost. Planting much earlier is not recommended as your peonies may still be in active growth, which could be disrupted.
If you need to store peonies before planting them, follow these steps for the best results:
- Timing: It’s best to plant peonies as soon as possible after purchase. However, if you need to store them temporarily, ensure it is done within a few days.
- Keep them cool: Store peonies in a cool location, ideally around 32-40°F (0-4°C). A cool basement, refrigerator, or root cellar are suitable options.
- Moisture: Place the peonies in a container with slightly dampened (not wet) peat moss or paper towels. This helps to maintain some moisture around the roots without causing excess wetness.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure good airflow around the stored peonies to prevent mold or rot. Avoid sealing them in airtight bags or containers.
- Check regularly: Periodically inspect the stored peonies for any signs of mold, rot, or drying out. Remove any affected parts promptly.
Remember, storing peonies is not ideal, and it is recommended to plant them as soon as possible for the best chances of successful growth. If storage is necessary, following these guidelines will help maintain their viability until planting.
The duration of peony blooms can vary depending on several factors, including the peony variety, environmental conditions, and cultural care. In general, peony blooms typically last for a week to ten days. Some early-blooming varieties may have shorter bloom periods, while late-blooming or intersectional (Itoh) peonies can have longer-lasting blooms.
It’s important to note that the individual flowers on a peony plant may open and close at different times, resulting in an extended overall bloom period. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions, sunlight exposure, and the health and maturity of the plant can also impact the longevity of the blooms.
To cut and arrange peonies in a vase, follow these steps for the best results:
- Timing: Cut peonies for arrangements when the buds are soft, like marshmallows, and show a hint of color. Avoid cutting them when they are still in the bud stage.
- Morning harvest: Cut peonies in the early morning when the flowers are well-hydrated and temperatures are cooler.
- Use sharp, clean tools: Use sharp, clean gardening shears or pruners to make a clean cut. Blunt or dirty tools can damage the stems and affect water uptake.
- Cut at an angle: Trim the peony stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and helps prevent the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase.
- Remove foliage: Strip the foliage that would be below the water line in the vase. This prevents the leaves from decomposing in the water and prolongs the life of the arrangement.
- Place in water immediately: Place the cut peonies in a clean vase filled with lukewarm water. Allow them to hydrate for a few hours before arranging them.
- Arranging: Create a pleasing arrangement by pairing peonies with other complementary flowers or greenery. Experiment with different vase shapes and sizes to find the desired aesthetic.
- Water maintenance: Change the water in the vase every two to three days to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the longevity of the flowers. Recut the stems at an angle each time you change the water.
- Display considerations: Keep the vase away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Peonies tend to last longer in a cool and well-ventilated area.
With these steps, you can enjoy your peonies in a vase arrangement and prolong their beauty indoors. Remember to provide them with fresh water and proper care to maximize their lifespan.
A well-maintained peony plant can have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years or even longer. With proper care and favorable growing conditions, some peony plants have been known to thrive for several decades.
Regarding the time it takes for a peony plant to bloom, it depends on several factors, including the peony variety and the age of the plant. In general, most peony plants take around 2 to 3 years after planting to reach maturity and produce their first blooms. During this establishment period, the plant focuses on developing a robust root system.
It’s important to note that herbaceous peonies typically bloom earlier, usually within 2 to 4 years, while tree peonies and intersectional (Itoh) peonies may take longer, ranging from 3 to 5 years or more. The exact timing can vary based on the specific cultivar, growing conditions, and climate.
My order
Your order is shipped via our carrier, postNL, and we take great care in packing each order. It is securely placed in a cardboard box, within which you’ll find a plastic bag. Inside this bag, yellow nets contain a high-quality soil designed to absorb any excess moisture around your peonies. These yellow nets are labeled with the specific peony variety.
Your order is shipped via our carrier, postNL, and we take great care in packing each order. It is securely placed in a cardboard box, within which you’ll find a plastic bag. Inside this bag, yellow nets contain a high-quality soil designed to absorb any excess moisture around your peonies. These yellow nets are labeled with the specific peony variety.
You can place an order on our website by adding peonies to your cart and then clicking on the cart icon when you’re satisfied with your selection. Follow the prompts to complete your order, and proceed to Molly, our payment platform, which offers various payment methods, including PayPal and credit cards.
Yes, we provide discounts for larger orders based on the quantity you’ve purchased, with a maximum of 40 peonies per order. If you wish to order more, please contact us via the contact form and select “Wholesale or Bulk”.
Generally, we don’t accept cancellations or refunds. However, in special cases, please contact us, and we will do our best to assist you.
We are currently working on this feature and anticipate its release this weekend!