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Paeonies are beloved for their stunning, fragrant blooms and impressive longevity. These perennial beauties can thrive for decades, often outliving the gardeners who plant them. Blooming from late spring to early summer, paeonies are a classic addition to any garden, offering vibrant colours, lush foliage, and a touch of timeless charm.

Prepare Soil

Garden: Bare-rooted paeonies are best planted in autumn or winter. Start by cultivating the soil thoroughly, ensuring it’s well-drained with a pH of 6-6.5. If necessary, add dolomite lime to adjust the pH.

• Dig a hole and mix in a layer of fertiliser, covering it with 5cm of soil before placing the tuber.
• Ensure the tuber sits 5cm below ground level, away from competing roots of trees or shrubs.

Pots: Use a deep pot with quality potting mix and ensure excellent drainage. Avoid waterlogging, as paeonies dislike soggy conditions. Position the pot in a sunny spot.

Feed

Avoid fertilising the crown area. Fertilise around the foliage's drip line every few years for consistent blooms.

Garden: Apply Nitroblue fertiliser combined with potash in winter, just before new growth emerges. A 10:1 ratio of Nitroblue to potash is ideal for promoting robust health and vibrant flower colour. After flowering, consider an extra application of Nitroblue to replenish nutrients.

Pots: Apply Oderings Total Replenish in winter and again once they have finished flowering.

Planting and Conditions

Paeonies thrive in cold, frosty climates and require a period of lower temperatures to flower well. Follow these tips for successful planting:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Partial shade is acceptable if the soil isn’t waterlogged.
• Space tubers at least 1 metre apart for optimal development.
• Avoid fresh animal manure, as it can damage the plant.

Watering & Mulching

In the first spring after planting, water well to establish strong growth, particularly in dry conditions. Soak the soil deeply without overwatering. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Protection

Paeonies are frost-hardy and love cold climates, so they need little protection. However, in regions with extreme weather, ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent tuber rot.

Pruning and Maintenance

Paeonies require minimal maintenance:

• Remove spent flowers to encourage energy storage for the following year.
• Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn after it dies back naturally.
• Do not lift paeonies unnecessarily; they can thrive in the same spot for many years.

Garden Expert Tip

Paeonies may take a few years to reach their full flowering potential after planting, but patience pays off. Once established, they’ll reward you with breathtaking blooms for decades.

Add paeonies to your garden for a lifetime of beauty, elegance, and enduring charm. These classics deserve a special place in any garden design.