Peony, Paeonia - Flowering Perennials

Peonies are a varied group of herbaceous perennials that are grown for their large showy and sometimes fragrant blooms.

They come in all shades of white, pink, red, orange and yellow, sometimes in bicolors and often with the showy yellow stamens providing a contrast at the flower's centre.

Peonies are long-lived plants that usually flower in early summer. They are quite an extravagance in that they have a relatively short flowering period and occupy a largish area with their leaves after flowering to build up reserves for the next years show.

Buds may be damaged by late spring frosts in colder climates, so grow them in a sheltered area for this reason and not easterly facing as morning sun on newly frosted growth can be very damaging.

The large heavy flowers may need support, so stake them as necessary.

Propagation is by seed sown in fall or winter, though this can take 2 or 3 years to germinate, so sow in well labeled pots and don't throw them away too soon. Alternatively the plants may be divided in early spring or fall, spring being far preferable, root cuttings may be taken in winter. They resent disturbance, so don't be surprised by a flowerless year after division while they sulk for a while.