There is still a little time until autumn, but it doesn't hurt to start thinking about the growth in your garden now. Autumn is exactly the right time of year for new plants as it is neither too hot nor too cold and there is also enough rain and moisture so that the new plant can get established quickly. A particularly popular plant species that pleases the eye in late spring is the peony. If you've always wanted to bring these beautiful flowers into your garden or add a few more to the ones you already have, you'll soon be able to do that. In today's article we would like to explain in more detail what you should consider when planting peonies and how to properly care for them afterwards. Use our tips to successfully beautify your garden.
When to plant peonies
As already mentioned, theAutumn for the gardenand new planting is the best time. Since late summer is no longer so hot in our latitudes, you can get started then. If you are not yet prepared in late summer, there is no need to worry because you still have until November if you want to plant new peonies. But what if you missed fall? Can you plant peonies in spring or do you have to wait until next fall? There is no need to worry here, as spring is also a suitable time for new plantings.
Choose location
As with any other plant, the right location is important for the best development and therefore for magnificent flowering. With the peony, this depends primarily on the type of peony. Most specimens like full sun. However, partial shade for the hot midday period can also be considered. Although the peony loves the sun, it feels most comfortable when it is somewhat restricted, for example by leaves and branches of trees or other plants. It can be sunnier for the rest of the day.
When you plant the plants, it is also important that you depending on themType of peoniesGuarantee enough space between the new and existing or other new plants. The shrub peony requires more space than the perennial peony, for example, because it grows quite wide. Depending on the species, an area of 60 x 60 to 100 x 100 cm should be included. They are very undemanding when it comes to soil. Although humus-clay soil is the plant's favorite, it doesn't bother them if these conditions are not met.
How deep to grow?
To ensure that the flowering period occurs on time and at all, care must be taken that the plant is not buried too deeply in the soil. In principle, this moment is the most important when replanting, which is why it should be given special attention. When planting peonies, new shoots (or buds, also called eyes) should not be left deeper than three to five centimeters below the surface of the soil. If you are not sure, it is best to ask the nursery where you buy the plant to be sure.
Grow the plant
Of course, as with any other type of plant, the soil must be well loosened when you plant the peonies so that the roots can spread more easily later. The planting hole should ideally be 40 to 60 cm in size. Under no circumstances should you choose a smaller size, as this could make it too cramped for the plant. Mix the excavated soil with a little compost before putting it back into the hole. This way you provide the plant with enough nutrients right from the start. First add some soil and then the plant. If the roots are too long, you can shorten them with scissors. This will prevent them from bending and becoming damaged when planting.
Finally, the peony plant obviously needs plenty of water. The earth can get pretty muddy. The peony may sink a little into the ground. If this is the case, pull it up a little if necessary and fill it with more soil.
Planting and caring for peonies
Although the peonies should be watered more frequently in the first year, they cannot tolerate waterlogging and do better with a longer dry period. So don't water them too often. Daily watering should only be considered on hot days. However, if this is forgotten, it will not immediately harm the plant. This makes them extremely easy to care for.
Fertilize peony plants
Fertilization takes place after the peonies bloom, which takes place between April and June. The reason for this is that the peony plant then begins to prepare for the next flowering in the coming year. Compost (which you prefercreate yourself) and other natural fertilizers are best suited. It is important that the material chosen is low in nitrogen, as nitrogen provides better conditions for fungi, which is something every gardener wants to avoid. A second fertilization is recommended before the first shoots.
Cut plant
The peony or the above-ground parts die on their own in winter. However, annual pruning is still recommended to avoid diseases. This particularly refers to the gray mold. This forms on the leaves and survives the cold winter without any problems. This means that the new shoots will also be infected in the spring. It is best to cut the peony plant in autumn. Leave about a hand's width of stems standing. The scissors used are then disinfected so as not to inadvertently infect other plants.
Transplanting peonies
On this topic, you should know that the plant itself reacts rather sensitively to transplanting because its very delicate roots can be easily damaged and disease infestation after transplanting is not uncommon. So before you decide to do this, you should think about it carefully. And that also applies to the new location. Be sure about this. Not that after a while you won't like this location anymore.
The flowering period is the most inappropriate. Instead, choose August or better yet September for this purpose. During this time there is better success and the plants suffer little to no damage. Be careful when digging. The roots should be as few as possible. If you would like to propagate your peony plant, now is the perfect time to do so. Before planting the peonies, you can easily divide them. It is best to use a sharp knife for this. Each individual root piece should have at least three buds. Also be prepared for the fact that these parts will not bloom for the following two years.
Plant peonies in pots
Peonies can also be grown in pots, but a flowering period is not always guaranteed. Choose a container that is at least 40 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep so that the plant can develop well. Avoid plastic as a material and guarantee the potted plant at least 4 hours of full sun a day. The way you plant the peonies is the same as for the garden. She can and must even spend the winter outside. It's best to winterize them from October onwards. To do this, place the pot on a house wall or another place protected from the wind. Then cover the plant with leaves to protect the roots from the cold. From minus 10 degrees, fleece is also recommended, which is used to cover the entire bucket.
