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There is
nothing stingy about peonies: their blooms are generous in size, colour and
fragrance and given the right conditions they are notably long-lived; surviving
for 75 years or more. They aren’t time-consuming, being surprisingly hardy and
easy to look after. These perennial plants will die down every autumn, form new
shoots in spring followed by gorgeous blooms from late October to early
December. Note that different varieties emerge from under-ground at different
times and it is not unusual for some varieties to awake from their winter nap
some weeks after others have emerged. Do not be disappointed if you don’t get
many stems or blooms in the first year. If you treat them well, they will
reward your patience by getting better and better each year.
Climate: Peonies prefer a cooler climates because they
require a period of winter chilling to promote flowering. If you live in a
warmer area, say the upper half of the north island, then you can still grow
peonies but you may need to lift tubers and keep them in the fridge over the
winter, or to place bags of ice on the ground above the tuber crowns several
times during winter. They do well in containers. You can put them outside in a
cool, dark spot during their dormant months (and ice them up mid-winter), and
then when they start showing growth, move them to a warm sheltered, sunny spot
outside where they can be admired (either still in the pot, or planted into the
garden).
Situation: Peonies prefer full sun but can tolerate light
shade, particularly in the afternoon.
Soil: They prefer deep, fertile soil, although that
said, they can still be grown successfully in poor soils as long as those soils
are well-drained.
Planting: Space to allow your peonies to each have 1 m2
of space when fully grown/mature in 3-4 years’ time. Do not plant them
too close to trees and shrubs as they don’t like the shade or the competition.
Try to avoid fertiliser coming into contact with the young roots or buds. Plant
tubers with the buds facing upwards at a depth of 5cm (2 inches). If the tubers
have roots, these should be planted slanting gently downwards.
Fertiliser: Fertiliser can be applied to peonies when they
are growing so as to increase flower size and vibrancy. However, beware of
applying too much nitrogen as this can make plants more vulnerable to disease.
Fertilisers that are high in Phosphates and Potassium and low in Nitrogen are
best.
Plant maintenance: Peonies do NOT like having their leaves or
stems cut off during the growing season, particularly in the first year. Stems
will not regrow within a season, and they need the nutrients from these tissues
to nourish the tubers. Leave the foliage until it has changed colour in the
autumn, or even longer if it isn’t too unsightly.
Disease: Grey mould caused by Botrytis species is
probably the most common disease problem for peonies. Signs of this problem are
leaves turning black and rotten patches appearing on the stems just above or
below soil level. It can be treated by spraying with fungicide in the spring
and also by cutting the plants down to ground level in winter. Destroy the
foliage you have removed so as to prevent the spores hanging around to infect
the new shoots the following spring.
Watering: err on the side of too little water rather
than too much, particularly in the spring, to reduce the chances of fungal
infection. Peonies don’t like water-logged soil so it is best to only water
your peonies every week or two – maybe a little more if there is a prolonged
dry period in summer.
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HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: