A little attention now can make all the difference when it comes to flowering, transforming a leafy green shrub into a spectacular display of blooms.
If there’s one thing to celebrate about the arrival of winter, it’s that peonies are happily settling into dormancy, preparing for a spectacular flush of blooms in spring. Peonies and Tasmanian gardens are a natural match. Our cool winters provide the cold dormancy these plants require, helping them produce the breathtaking blooms for which they are renowned.
Understanding Peony Varieties
Although they share similar preferences, each type has its own character. Tree peonies form woody shrubs that remain above ground year-round, producing enormous, often fragrant flowers in spring. Herbaceous peonies disappear completely over winter before re-emerging with fresh growth each year, while ITOH peonies combine the best qualities of both, offering sturdy stems, prolific flowering and attractive foliage that persists well into autumn.
Choose the Right Location
If you’re dreaming of spectacular peony blooms, choosing the right location is half the battle. Whether you’re growing tree peonies, ITOH peonies or herbaceous varieties, all perform best in a position with at least half a day of sun and well-drained soil. Morning sun is particularly valuable, helping to dry foliage and reduce the risk of fungal issues, while protection from harsh afternoon heat can be beneficial during the warmer months.
Avoid planting peonies in areas prone to waterlogging, as they dislike wet feet and can struggle in heavy, poorly drained soils. Once established, they resent being disturbed, so take the time to choose their forever home carefully.
Test and Understand Your Soil
Peonies thrive in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter and dislike sitting in wet ground, particularly through winter. If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage with compost and gypsum, or consider planting your peony on a slight mound. In sandy soils, regular additions of compost and aged manure will help retain moisture and nutrients.
It’s also worth checking your soil pH. Peonies prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil and may struggle in highly acidic conditions. A simple soil test can help determine whether lime or sulphur is needed before planting. A little preparation now can reward you with decades of spectacular blooms.
Fertilising Peonies
Peonies are heavy feeders. We recommend feeding peonies once in autumn and again in late winter or early spring for an abundance of flowers. Look for fertilisers that contain lime to help sweeten the soil, along with calcium and magnesium. We’ve found that Gateforth Farm’s All in One Fertiliser for peonies provides all of these essentials. A top dressing of compost, blood and bone, or well-rotted manures will also help improve soil structure and provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Although peonies require high amounts of nutrition, avoid excessive applications of high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can encourage lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning Peonies
Pruning depends on the type of peony you are growing. Herbaceous peonies should be cut back to ground level once the foliage has yellowed and died down in autumn, helping to reduce the risk of disease and tidy the plant for winter. ITOH peonies can be treated in much the same way, although some gardeners prefer to leave a short framework of stems above ground. Tree peonies require a lighter touch. Remove only dead, damaged or crossing branches and avoid hard pruning, as their woody framework provides the foundation for future growth and flowering. A little attention each year will help keep your peonies healthy, vigorous and floriferous for years to come.
Growing Peonies in Pots
While not ideal, peonies can be grown successfully in pots. Choose a large container (no smaller than 35cm in diameter) with good drainage and fill it with a premium-quality potting mix enriched with compost. Tree and ITOH peonies are generally better suited to long-term container growing than herbaceous varieties, although all will appreciate regular watering during dry periods. Position pots in a sunny location and remember that container-grown plants will require more frequent feeding and watering than those grown in the ground. With the right care, a potted peony can become a spectacular feature when in flower.
Our new-season peonies will arrive in mid-July. Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
