Peonies enchant with their lush, early summer flowers in great colors. Because of their graceful elegance, peonies are also one of themost popular flowers for weddings. Since they are usually found outdoors, people often wonder whether peonies can be planted in containers. We will answer this question in today's article!
Can you plant peonies in a container?
If you don't have a garden or have little outdoor space, you don't necessarily have to miss out on the beauty that peonies bring with them. Peonies feel more at home outdoors, but in principle they also thrive in pots and containers if you are willing to invest a little time and effort. There are a few requirements that should be met in order to plant and keep peonies in pots.
Which peonies are suitable for containers and pots?
When it comes to peonies, a distinction is made between perennial and shrub peonies. The first type are the peonies, which we all know from the field and which are offered as cut flowers. (You can find tips on how to make cut peonies last longer in the vasein this post.) The tree peonies are still known as tree peonies because they are in fact woody plants and are better suited for cultivation in plant pots. Depending on the space available, you may want to choose a small-growing plant, as some shrub peonies can reach heights of more than 1.5 meters.
Choose the right bucket
Since peonies are deep-rooted, large, tall pots or containers are best suited for them. Ideally, their capacity should be at least 10 liters. It is still recommended to plant the peony directly in the large pot as the plant grows very quickly and does not like repotting so much.Big bucketsmade of clay, terracotta or stone are perfect for this.
How to plant peonies in a container or pot
If you want to plant tree peonies in a container, you can either plant young plants or use a root tuber. The best planting time is between August and October. To plant your peony, place the bulb in the pot with the buds facing up and add a few inches (10 to 15) of soil over it. If planted too deep it may not flower and that is certainly not what you want. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer in tablet form to the soil to give the peony an additional boost. Once you've planted everything, water the plant evenly but not excessively and make sure all site conditions are met.
Tip: Do not overwater newly planted peonies! This is considered the main cause of failure, especially if the plant is planted in a container. If in doubt, just don't water until the soil dries out well.
Keeping peony in the pot – this is how it works!
The peony is known for its intense colors and large blooms, and container-grown varieties allow you to bring these blooms indoors, to your patio, front yard, or even your balcony. Everything you should know about planting and caring for the peony as a potted plant can be found in this section.
Find the right location
In order for your peonies to thrive in the pot, you need to find a suitable location for them. The ideal location should be airy but protected from the wind. Places that are sunny and receive at least 4 hours of sun per day are ideal. The following applies: the more sunny hours, the greater the flower production. The plant also likes partial shade, especially at midday. Locations in front of onesouth-facing house wallare therefore considered unsuitable.
Which soil for peonies?
The right soil for peonies in the pot must be nutrient-rich. Good drainage also plays a crucial role in the growth of the peony. That's why it's recommended to add earthenware or gravel as a base layer. Without such a drainage layer, the roots rot and in most cases the peonies cannot survive the winter.
A well-drained loamy soil that is fresh to moderately moist is best for potted peonies. However, excessive humus content in the soil should be avoided so that fungal diseases do not occur.
Care tips: How often do you water peonies in a pot?
Once your peony is established in its container, it will be particularly tolerant of small dry spells or drought, so you won't have to worry too much about watering. However, pay particular attention to the fact that the soil in the pot dries out more quickly than in plants grown outdoors. This is why you always want to check the top few inches of the soil to make sure it is properly moistened.
If you grow a peony in a pot, you must definitely avoid waterlogging. In order to thrive, a sufficiently large container with good drainage is required.
Fertilize and support peonies in the pot
As for further regular care, you can add a good fertilizer (preferably complete fertilizer) every spring to keep your peony healthy. As the plant grows larger, it may be beneficial to give it some structure to keep it upright so the heavy flowers don't knock over the foliage. You can try using specially designed plant supports like you would in the ground. Or you can have oneBuild your own wooden supportto keep your tree peony upright.
Cut tree peonies
To ensure that your peonies in the pot show their full blooms every year, correct cutting is essential. This strengthens the plant and stimulates flowering. The ideal time plays a crucial role. Basically, you should always remove spent flowers so that they do not draw unnecessary energy from the plant. The cut should always be made below the flower. Do not cut the leaves. In late autumn you can still make a cleaning cut. Shoots are cut back to the first bud. But be careful! You can only remove the parts that do not contain a bud.
Overwinter peonies in pots
If you live in a particularly cold area, it is in your peony's best interest to place the pot in a cold greenhouse over the winter to protect it from freezing rain, frost and snow. If you don't have a greenhouse, place the container in a protected area and wrap the pot in bubble wrap to protect the roots, add a layer of mulch to the surface of the soil and add a layer of fleece.
Peony in a pot – yes or no?
Peonies can also thrive in containers and pots if they are cared for properly. However, the plant with the beautiful, large flowers feels more comfortable outdoors. Therefore, it would be recommended to plant your potted peonies in the garden after a few years, where they will eventually thrive better.
