Growing Peonies In Kentucky By Dennis Morgeson Agent For Horticulture Education Washington County
Peony-History Correct Pronunciation pee-oh-nee or pee-OH-nee • A Chinese favorite for over a thousand years! • Grown in Imperial Palace Gardens- “Sho-Yo” (most beautiful) • In the 18th century the Japanese became intrigued by the peony and developed over 300 cultivars • By the 19th century European gardens featured peonies • Peonies soon traveled to North America and was planted in most homestead gardens and many are still there today
Peony Types • Herbaceous- Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each autumn • Tree Peony- Have woody above ground stems that remain throughout the year, much like a small shrub. The leaves however are deciduous and fall each autumn. • Intersectional- The result of crossing herbaceous and tree peonies. Like herbaceous peonies they die back to the ground each year. Their foliage and flowers however are reminiscent of tree peonies.
Peony Types All three types of peonies form next year's buds each fall. Tree peonies form these buds mostly on the above ground stems. Herbaceous and intersectional peonies form these buds on the underground crown of the plant. This difference accounts to a large degree in the difference in hardiness. Herbaceous and intersectional peonies will thrive in northerly climes too cold for tree peonies. Most cultivars will perform reasonably well in Kentucky.
Cultural Requirements Prefer fertile, clay loam, with a well drained subsoil P.H. 6.5-7.0 Good drainage is key to avoid root rot diseases Work soil deeply and mix in organic matter, these plants can live for 100 years and it is the only time you have the chance to mend soil deeply (more on amendments later) • Plant herbaceous and intersectional where they will get at least 5 hours of full sun per day, too much shade will cause more disease problems • Tree Peonies prefer part sun preferably morning sun and afternoon shade • • • •
Planting Herbaceous and Intersectional Peonies
• Plant in spring or fall, best before October 15 to give plants time to root in before winter
Planting Herbaceous and Intersectional Peonies • Dig hole 1.5 to 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep • Replace 1 foot at the bottom of hole with a foot of good garden loam mixed with compost or leaf mold • Mix 1-1.5 cups of bone meal and ½ cup superphosphate into the loam in the bottom of the hole • Fill the hole with the existing soil • Plant the peony root eyes pointing up and cover with approximately 1 inch of soil…Water in well. • Mulch newly planted peonies after the ground freezes to slow or limit heaving from freezing and thawing
Planting Tree Peonies • Follow the procedures for herbaceous and intersectional peonies except the union of the scion and the rootstock should be 5-6 inches below ground to allow root formation of the scion • Allow 4-5 feet for spacing around the tree peony
Fertilization
• If soil was properly amended fertilization will not be needed for several years, as always get a soil test • Over fertilized peonies will produce foliage but no flowers • Clay soils hold fertility better than sandy or porous monitor nutrition accordingly • If and when you do fertilize do not allow it to touch the crowns of the plants (broadcast 6-18” from the crown), and thoroughly scratch into the soil in late fall or early spring
Watering • Peonies need an even supply of water from the time they come up until they die back in the fall • Water evenly and deeply in dry period • Even moisture will prolong flower life and increase the number of eyes or flower buds for the following spring
Cultivation • Shallow cultivation should begin early in the spring and continue often enough to keep weed competition down • You can use mulch and preemergence herbicides such as “Preen” to help as well
Fall Clean Up • Once tops of peonies have dried to the ground they can be cut off, DO NOT CUT THEM BACK BEFORE! • Never cut tree peonies to the ground, cut dead or diseased tissue out • Buds form on tree peonies on old wood, cutting them back would cut off the following years flowers • All dead foliage and stems should be removed from the area around the plants to reduce disease problems
Flower Types • Single
Flower Types • Japanese and Anemone
Flower Types • Semi-Double
Flower Types • Double
Flower Types • Bomb Double
Tree Peony
Herbaceous Peony
Intersectional Peony
Digging And Dividing • After several years herbaceous and intersectional peonies may need to be divided or you may want to share some with a friend • Do This in late September into early October after the foliage has died back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UotrkapSwo4
Problems? • Peonies have very few pests however the most common are fungal pathogens in wet spring weather • Reasons For No Blooms: • Planting too deeply • Immature plants • Excess nitrogen • Overcrowding • P and K deficiency • Insect or disease problems • Competition • Late Freeze
Botrytis Blight • Control through sanitation and fungicides such as Mancozeb or Daconil etc. • No overhead watering
Leaf Blotch • Usually occurs after flowering in late spring until dieback in the fall • Remove infected leaves and stems as soon as the first signs appear • Sanitation! • No overhead watering • Fungicides such as Mancozeb or Daconil will help contain infections
Soil Borne Infections • Phytophora Blight and Verticillium wilt can cause damage if plants are infected usually do to poor sites • If plants are infected with either of these diseases dig out plants an destroy • Don’t plant peonies back in this location
Insect Problems?
• Rare if any problems will occur • What about ants? Good, Bad, or Neither?
What Are You Getting….When they arrive that is! Bartzella ☆AWARD WINNER ☆ITOH/INTERSECTIONAL Large lemon-yellow blossoms with a light lemon scent. Flower centers have soft red flares and white-tipped carpels. Excellent plant possessing health and vigor. Itoh Peony Itoh 'Bartzella' is a winner of the American Peony Society Gold Medal. Bloom time: Mid. Plant zones: 4-8. Flower type: Semidouble. Hybridizer(s): Roger Anderson Intersectional or Itoh Hybrid Light Requirements: full sun/partial shade Retail Value $60-$100!!!
Lake of Silver Double deep rose-pink accented by silver edging as flower ages. Golden anthers. Strong stems hold these lovely flowers above medium green foliage. Size: 34''. Bloom time: Mid. Plant zones: 2-8. Flower type: Double. Color: Pinks Light Requirements: full sun Bare Root Size: 3-5 EYE Retail Value $28.00
Questions?