Peonies Question & Answer Sheet: {Gardening Tips}

I have some peonies that never bloom. What can be wrong with them? Several things might prevent them from blooming but the most likely is that they are planted too deeply. Two inches is the proper depth, and beyond that they frequently produce “blind” buds which will not open.

What fertilizer is good for peonies? They will do well with a dressing of bone meal worked in around the plants each spring. A complete balanced fertilizer is also good, and well-rotted manure and leaf mold will help maintain fertility.

How do you take care of tree peonies? Tree peonies need the same soil and in general the same treatment as other peonies. Good drainage, fairly rich soil with a good amount of organic matter, regular cultivation and sun at least half the day, will make them do their best.

When is the best time to transplant peonies? Late August or early September is the best time of the year to divide and transplant peonies. That gives the young plants time to get established before winter. If you choose to plant them in the spring, a year’s bloom is usually lost.

Where’s the best spot to plant peonies? Peonies prefer full sun. Don’t plant them under shade trees or on the north side of the home.

How do you divide peonies? Dig the clumps by digging around the roots on all sides and carefully lifting the clumps. Cut the tops back to about 4″. Don’t break off the side roots. Shake off the excess soil and wash the roots with a hard spray of water. Divide the clumps with a knife or sharp spade. Allow from 3-5 eyes on each clump. Don’t plant the top of the divided clumps more than 2″ deep. Newly planted peonies don’t flower if the eyes are deeper than 2″. Also, if they are planted in a shady area they will flower very sparsely.

I have a white peony that blooms but a red one that doesn’t (I live in Mississippi). I have read that peonies can’t be grown this far south–is this so? The fact that your white peony succeeds is proof that peonies may be grown in your locality. Some varieties are better than others in southern conditions. Felix Crousse and Richard Carvel are two red varieties adapted to the South. Try growing one of them instead of the red you are now having trouble with. Peonies should have enough cold weather to freeze the tops back each winter, and enough water to keep the ground moist, especially at blooming time. Having them in partial shade is an advantage in very hot weather.

A peony I planted two years ago has not grown much. Its leaves are brown-spotted and it looks as though it may die. What is wrong? Your plant may have the botrytis fungus blight, which is the most serious of peony diseases. This fall scrape the soil away from the crown of the plant and cut off all stalks as close to the crown as possible. Burn the old stalks. Next spring when new growth appears, begin spraying all your peonies with Bordeaux mixture, and keep it up every week or ten days for a couple months.

Source: Vintage WorkBasket Magazine (1954)…Also, the peony information originally published on Daylilies & Irises: How To Divide & Transplant was moved here to keep the info on one page.

Don't Miss These Tips: