Alphabetical Plant Listing

Peonies: How to Grow and Care with Success


Beloved for the beauty of their exquisite flowers and handsome foliage, which often turn shades of rust and orange in the fall, peonies require little maintenance as long as they are planted properly and establish themselves.

What are Peonies?

Peonies belong to the Paeoniaceae family, which includes 33 species of herbaceous perennials or deciduous shrubs. Native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America, they have been cultivated for over 2,000 years for the beauty of their flowers.

Flowers: The flowers are prized for their large, showy, and fragrant flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, yellow, and coral. The flowers have a distinct cup-like shape with many layers of petals, and their size can range from 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) in diameter.

Foliage: The lush foliage, deeply lobed and glossy green, provides a lovely backdrop to the showy blooms. In the fall, the leaves often turn a reddish or golden color before dropping for the winter.

Height/spread: Peonies can vary in height and spread depending on the species and cultivar. They typically grow up to 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) in height and up to 4 feet (1.2 m) wide. Tree peonies can grow up to 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) in height and 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) wide.

Blooming season: The overall blooming season lasts six weeks and starts in late spring.

Hardiness: Peony flowers are hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Uses: Peony flowers are a classic ingredient of the perennial border. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including mixed borders, foundation plantings, and cottage gardens. Peony flowers make excellent cut flowers and are a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

Long-lived: Peonies are long-lived plants and can live for up to 50 years with proper care.

Deer: Deer tend to avoid peonies because they do not find them appetizing. However, in times of drought or when food is scarce, deer may resort to eating them.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Paeonia - Peonies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Paeonia - Peonies Great Plant Combination Ideas with Paeonia - Peonies Guides with Paeonia - Peonies

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Paeonia - Peonies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Paeonia - Peonies Great Plant Combination Ideas with Paeonia - Peonies Guides with Paeonia - Peonies

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