 |
The Gardener's Almanac |  |
||||
| Index | FAQ's | Links | Photos | Guest book | ||
| Paeony |
|
|
|
Paeony or peonys are best situated in sun or semi-shade, in a spot that is moist, well drained, and shaded from the early morning sun to avoid frost damage.
They can remain in the same position indefinitely as they resent disturbance, so do select their position with care.
They grow to around 750-900mm (30"-36") in height, with a similar spread.
The flowers appear in early June through to July, deadhead the flowers as they fade.
Week 16; Annually mulch around plant with well rotted manure.
Water freely in dry weather.
Week 25; Paeonies can be raised from seed but will not come true to variety.
Sow seed in pots/trays containing a proprietary seed compost and place in cold frame to germinate.
Prick out the following May and grow on in a cold frame or nursery bed for three or four years.
When of a suitable size to plant out, plant out in September/October.
Week 35>; Before planting out prepare the hole with a liberal helping of well rotted manure and a handful of bonemeal.
Set the crown of the plant no more than 25mm (1") below ground level, and one metre apart in any moist but well drained soil, in sun or partial shade.
They can take several years to establish, and resent root disturbance, therefore consideration to site location is important.
Week 35; If necessary lift and divide congested clumps of herbaceous paeonia plants that have shown a marked decline in flowering.
Lift and handle the tuber clusters carefully and take special care not to damage the dormant growth buds when dividing them up.
Ensure that each piece of root has a dormant bud on it.
Replant the divisions into ground that has been deeply dug and fortified with well rotted manure.
Fork in a handful of bonemeal on completion.
Week 42-45; cut down the foliage on mature plants.
About this Site © The Gardener's Almanac 2005 Top of page