All peonies (including tree peonies) need lots of sun. Also, the main reason they won't bloom is if they are planted too deeply. A little fertilizer in the spring and they don't really require much else. They resent being moved somewhat, but if you can gently raise them up a bit that would probably help (as long as it is sunny).

I have had much better luck starting with container grown peonies than with roots. (Roots took up to three years to bloom, container plants bloomed first year and thereafter with no trouble.) They like full sun and a little fertilizer in the spring. Also like soil with lots of organic manner to hold moisture, but hate soggy soil.

I bought a tree peony at a NYC Flower show about 4 years ago. When I asked the importer why I should buy one in February, he said (at a cheap! $9.00) to plant it in a pot and treat it as I would a houseplant. That spring I moved it into the perennial boder and ....
Well-- it is blooming beautifully for the first time. Hey, the other ones cost $45, $30 so what the heck!

Jil

If I SAVE THE SEEDS THAT COME AFTER THE FLOWER IS GONE CAN I GROW MY OWN PEONY? WHEN DO I PICK THE SEEDS OFF?
THANKS JO

Cheryl, see if your parents are willing to "reserve" the peony plants in the sale of the house. My husbands' grandpa died a year ago last March and I asked his parents if they would put it into the sale of the house that we could come back in the fall and dig up the three large Peony bushes. They did and it didn't affect the sale of the home in the least. Last fall we dug up these 3 bushes (probably at least 25 or 30 year old bushes) and separated them and gave some to my husbands siblings and to his cousins. Now we all have a little piece of Grandpa's garden treasures to enjoy. I'm happy to report that my (now 11) plantings are all up and look very healthy. So far 4 of them even have the possibility of blooms!
As far as waiting on planting yours I can't be of any help. I put these in the next day that we got back home.
I say try to get them from your parents house and see if a gardening friend might "hold" them in a bed for you till you get your place. I think that the sentimental aspect is part of the romance of Peony bushes. Good luck.
~~Louise in Iowa~~

Dear Jo

You can grow your own peony of the seeds of your peonies. Wait till the seed pods beginn to open, than put the seeds immediately in soil. The black seeds are fertil, the red ones are not. It is very important, that the seeds are not dry. You must get them in fresh soil, if they are not dried. Good luck with your own peonies. They will bloom after about 4 or five years.
Walter Good

We have a bed of white peonies approx. 20 years old, (don't know variety). They have always bloomed well. However, for the last 3-4 years they have started to develope "black" and curled up areas on the leaves. Sometimes a whole shoot will die back to the ground. It also affects the buds and some of these turn black and die.It seems to be getting worse, and this year it has spread to a nearby sour cherry tree. Any suggestions?
TIA, Linda/Mi.

I have some peonies I bought and put in containers last year. I actually got blooms from 2 of them, but the reason they are still in containers is because I don't know if they can take the heat (110+) they will get in full sun here (CA Zone 8-9).
Does anyone else have them in that kind of heat? I've got them in partial shade now.

Thanks

JanetW

Klehm's Nursery has a Peony Help Page; I'm just going to provide the link to their site because you'll need to choose between text-only and images. The photos are beautiful if you want to take the time to look at them. To access the help page, click on "green pages" and "peonies".

Here is a link that might be useful: Klehm

I have become increasingly interested in peonies and am very interested in acquiring some that have outstanding foliage. Can anyone recommend their favourites?

I would like to get hold of a book on tree peonies with colour photographs of each variety. Can anyone tell me the author, title and publisher of such a book and where I can order a copy? Thank you.

Dear Winnie

You are looking for books about tree peonies. You find them at the following adresses:

Versandbuchhandlung Ingrid Sophie Hörsch Hagenwiesstrasse 3 D-73064 Uhingen Germany

FAX: 0049 71 63 47 89

Mrs. Hörsch is speciallized on garden and plantbooks. She has some books about tree peonies.

For the wonderful american tree peonies write to the following adress:

American Peony Society Greta M. Kessenich 250 Interlachen Road Hopkins Minnesota 55343 USA

Mrs. Kessenich sells the wonderful book "The American tree peony"

Good luck!!
Walter Good

Does anyone know if box elder bugs (or anything else) eat peony foliage?
Something has been at my peonies this summer, leaving all the leaves with scalloped edges!

Thanks for any help -Trish

All peonies (including tree peonies) need lots of sun. Also, the main reason they won't bloom is if they are planted too deeply. A little fertilizer in the spring and they don't really require much else. They resent being moved somewhat, but if you can gently raise them up a bit that would probably help (as long as it is sunny).

I have had much better luck starting with container grown peonies than with roots. (Roots took up to three years to bloom, container plants bloomed first year and thereafter with no trouble.) They like full sun and a little fertilizer in the spring. Also like soil with lots of organic manner to hold moisture, but hate soggy soil.

I bought a tree peony at a NYC Flower show about 4 years ago. When I asked the importer why I should buy one in February, he said (at a cheap! $9.00) to plant it in a pot and treat it as I would a houseplant. That spring I moved it into the perennial boder and ....
Well-- it is blooming beautifully for the first time. Hey, the other ones cost $45, $30 so what the heck!

Jil

If I SAVE THE SEEDS THAT COME AFTER THE FLOWER IS GONE CAN I GROW MY OWN PEONY? WHEN DO I PICK THE SEEDS OFF?
THANKS JO

Cheryl, see if your parents are willing to "reserve" the peony plants in the sale of the house. My husbands' grandpa died a year ago last March and I asked his parents if they would put it into the sale of the house that we could come back in the fall and dig up the three large Peony bushes. They did and it didn't affect the sale of the home in the least. Last fall we dug up these 3 bushes (probably at least 25 or 30 year old bushes) and separated them and gave some to my husbands siblings and to his cousins. Now we all have a little piece of Grandpa's garden treasures to enjoy. I'm happy to report that my (now 11) plantings are all up and look very healthy. So far 4 of them even have the possibility of blooms!
As far as waiting on planting yours I can't be of any help. I put these in the next day that we got back home.
I say try to get them from your parents house and see if a gardening friend might "hold" them in a bed for you till you get your place. I think that the sentimental aspect is part of the romance of Peony bushes. Good luck.
~~Louise in Iowa~~

Dear Jo

You can grow your own peony of the seeds of your peonies. Wait till the seed pods beginn to open, than put the seeds immediately in soil. The black seeds are fertil, the red ones are not. It is very important, that the seeds are not dry. You must get them in fresh soil, if they are not dried. Good luck with your own peonies. They will bloom after about 4 or five years.
Walter Good

We have a bed of white peonies approx. 20 years old, (don't know variety). They have always bloomed well. However, for the last 3-4 years they have started to develope "black" and curled up areas on the leaves. Sometimes a whole shoot will die back to the ground. It also affects the buds and some of these turn black and die.It seems to be getting worse, and this year it has spread to a nearby sour cherry tree. Any suggestions?
TIA, Linda/Mi.

I have some peonies I bought and put in containers last year. I actually got blooms from 2 of them, but the reason they are still in containers is because I don't know if they can take the heat (110+) they will get in full sun here (CA Zone 8-9).
Does anyone else have them in that kind of heat? I've got them in partial shade now.

Thanks

JanetW

I would like to get hold of a book on tree peonies with colour photographs of each variety. Can anyone tell me the author, title and publisher of such a book and where I can order a copy? Thank you.

Does anyone know if box elder bugs (or anything else) eat peony foliage?
Something has been at my peonies this summer, leaving all the leaves with scalloped edges!

Thanks for any help -Trish

I have been raising Tree Peonys for several years with tremendous success in the bloom. What most growers do not know is that they need to be planted DEEP. This is exactly opposite of the Herbaceous variety, which do terrible when planted deep. If you have a grafted variety, plant the graft at least 4 below the surface. This way, the piece that is grafted can develop roots and will eventually send out new shoots which will turn your one-stem Peony into a huge bush in a few years. Otherwise you will only ever have just the one stalk and never many blooms..

I want orange peonys.
Also i need yellow peonys.

If you have these peonys for me, then e-mail me soon as possible.

Many thanks,

Joshua

Dear Walter,

What do you know about the Golden wheel?

Do you know strong peonys for cutting of flower?
with a high production,early blooming(may-june).

I have a company at home with 3 acres of peonys.
Each year we sell 250.000 peonys for cutting of flower.

Also i am searching for contact with other people with many peonys, or
people with special peonys who are strong,yellow or orange.

Many thanks Walter.

Joshua frome the netherlands

Peonies in Massachusetts, yes indeed. This is convoluted so hang in there. My peony was given to me by my mother. She got it from her mother. The blossoms are huge-white with the trace of red in the center. Anyhow, quite a while ago I attempted to pickle a bunch of herring. The project failed, so I dug a hole and deposited the herring into it, and forgot all about it. When my mother gave me my grandmother's peony guess where I planted it. It's been there for 45 years. It brings to mind the method the native Americans taught the pilgrims how to grow corn---one herring under each hillock of corn. As I write, its covered with about 40 buds. I have to go to great leangths to support the bush, and it is glorious when in full bloom.

Just a note to let you all know how much I enjoy this page. I have learned a lot and am learning more with about two years of tree peony experience in Michigan
under my belt. The two tree peonies that I have planted have both bloomed and I'm adding 4 more plants this year. I have planted them 4 to 6 inches deep and have amended my clay soil with sand and a little composted peat. So far, so good.

Will it be ok to transplant peonies in the spring? And how will it affectits blooming this year?

I have grown peonies for 15 years. I first dug them up in the last fall afther the first hard freeze and then planted them in my yard. I have transplanted parts of each plant every few years in the spring before April 15 and they alway bloom just fine in the same year.

I just moveed in December and I had the opportunity to dug up my bulb this last week to transplant them in my new yard.

Wow what a lot of information about Peonys. I didn't know that there was scentless peonys what a ripoff that's why I bought on It doesn't bloom much and no scent. began to wonder if it even WAS a peoney. Maybe I'll buy a new one thanks for the help sheila

I received several Peonies in plant exchanges last fall. Some of them that were sent in large chunks have buds on. Others don't. I think some varieties bloom earlier than others. I have had good success with early spring planting, before sprouts get more than an inch or so.

Janet
My friend had a Peony where temperatures got over 110F. She planted where it got shade during the hottest part of the day.

Your main problem is going to be getting enough winter chill in zone 8/9. I would keep it in a pot and leave it in full sun, except in mid-summer and then put it in partial shade. Then in winter, I would pile ice cubes around it. Not sure how many days of chill they need. Maybe someone else may know.

I planted a peony two years ago and last year it didn't even come up. Luckily, it did this year. It has several buds and hopefully it will bloom. But one question--- are the ants
that are covering the buds supposed to be there? I thought I read somewhere that they cause no harm to the plant and that they should be left there. Can someone tell me whether or not to get rid of them? Thanks.

Hi L. Chang,

Leave the ants there. They will not hurt your peonies one bit. We have some that
are over 100 years old, the ants chew at the buds, to get a sweet like nectar, which in turn helps the
bud to open. Some people say this isn't true, but watch them sometime you will see that it is. Also don't cut your peonies back until
they turn brown in the Fall this will set them back, and cause them not to bloom three or more years.

We have transplanted from late Summer to late Fall, and never had any problems with getting blooms the
next year. They should be divided every two or three years.

I have read that there are varieties of peonies in China that are 300 years old. Now those are some tough plants....

My husband and I just moved into our new home this past winter. Spring has introduced us to many delightful surprises in the yard... 3 peonies have grown up in a 3'diameter circle. Apparently they were mowed down to nothing last fall? There are MANY buds appearing and we want to take care of them. Any suggestions on what we should do for these plants, and when?
TIA
Julie in NY

Great information. I discovered an old peony languishing near an abandoned farm house. Rescued it from ultimate demolition in June of 1996. It fell into several pieces as it was pouring down rain during the rescue. I was concerned that it would not live at all as my mother had always told me that peonies must only be transplanted or divided in the fall. I took my chances anyway and managed to get 4 new bushes out of the 5 that I planted and they all bloomed profusely in spring 1997; there was no set-back.

I am hopeful that someone can help me identify this peony. Its foliage is 30" tall by about as much around. It is a reasonably early bloomer...early to mid May in Eastern Kansas. The blooms are 6 - 7", single, white with prominent yellow center and very fragrant. It looks like an over-easy-fried egg when fully open. It is very hardy, somewhat subject to botrytus (sp?). Does anyone know the variety?

3 yrs ago I bought 12 or more Peony from my local Walmart. There were dark and light pink and red varieties. I dug twelve holes across the front of my lawn(leaving appropriate spacing between) to make a nice low - informal hedge in the spring. The red variety didn't survive, but the pinks came up the next spring and I even got a single bloom that first year. And I've never fused over them one bit - just a little water every now and then. I can't remember when I planted them, but I think it was middle to late summer. They come up a bit later than most of my neighbor's(they are all over my little town), but they have filled out nicely and bloom profusely. Quite a beautiful and fragrant little hedge. When I get around to it I plan to put a picket fence behind them for a back drop. I may also try the red again - they must be a bit harder to start.

Tracy

Hi
I just found this forum today and I can't believe how friendly
and helpful you all are!
I love peonies!
In fact I had one in a pot for 2 years til we were finally able
to purchase our own farm. I went to put it in a nice sunny place
in my flower garden and completely broke the top off. Oh I was
so mad at myself for that. It is a double pink peonie and has yet
to flower.
I went ahead and finished planting what was left of my poor peony
(broke down to the dirt level) and to my surprise there is little peony
stems poking up out of the ground! YIPPEE! I didn't kill it!

We just moved here in October and the place was and is over run with thistles.
We are having a heck of time beating them.
Anyway, along the front porch hidden in the weeds I found 4 peonies!
I dug the weeds up and accidentally caught one of the plants and cut it.
Gee I am not having much luck this year. I put it in a rooting solution and place it
in another part of the yard but it doesn't look good. With any luck at all now that
the weeds are gone the other three will do good. They are on the west side of the house
so they get all the afternoon sun.
Sorry to have rambled on so. Thanks for this great forum!
Lynn

My next door neighbour has a beautiful deep red double
peony. At least I think it is a double. When this peony is
in bloom, it scents the whole yard and smells wonderful.
Unfortunately, my neighbour cannot remember the name.
Does anyone have any ideas? I would love to have one in my
garden, also.
Thanks
Carla

I live in South Australia in what is termed a temperate Mediterranean climate. I love peonies but unfortunately I have not had any luck with them. I have planted them in the ground and in a flower pot. The leaves grow lovely but the flowers are rather scarce. It is quite a few years that the peony in the ground flowered. The one in the pot has never flowered. Do peonies prefer a sheltered position? The one in the pot was in the direct sun and our summers can get very hot. I look forward to receiving any advice. Thanks!

I too am waiting for my peonies of 2 years to bloom--I'm going to try the bone meal in the spring and see if that will work. When I lived in IN--I had 4 large plants that didn't need any attention--except cutting them for their beauty and fragrance, and to bring them into the house. They'd been in the ground for more than 20yrs. I was told by the company I bought my new plants from it could take 3 years before they bloom. Maybe next year! Thanks for all the info.

Suzanne - unfortunately I don't think you'll have much luck with peonies in a Mediterranean climate. They need cold in the winter. Having thriving peonies is the trade-off, I guess, for living in Minnesota with only 120 frost-free days per year!

Really enjoying reading about everyone's flowers. We have peonies on the place that have been here almost 70 years. Some are pinkish-white and some purple.

We had to have a new septic tank put in and they dug through my plants. Nothing left. I thought they were gone forever; however, in the spring while mowing I saw what I thought might be little peonies popping up along the top of the drain line. I dug them all up and planted them.

That was 5 years ago and I have 7 healthy prolific bloomers and am ready to split some to plant elsewhere.

I am wondering if these old variaties have a built-in toughness? Location is NE Iowa.

Sherry
Iowa

is any one interested in starting a propagation/exchange for the different varieties of peonies that we might have? I live in wis. and a lot of peonies were planted on old farmsteads-some which the buildings are gone but the peonies are growing right up thru the weeds. I have asked a couple of farmers if i could dig up the bushes and now have about thirty of these in all varieties and colors. if any one would like to exchange e-mail me as i am looking for different colors and varieties.
tnx--george

here is a link about care for peony. I just planted one peony this year. I bought it as potted plant from lowes with a bud on it. It bloomed. Very beautiful.

Where other plants in my yard got pests, this peony is trouble free so far. I guess I will plant more esp tree peony. So it will not die back in winter time.

but I will avoid perchasing bare root of tree peony before I have more experience. I found at least two places in metro DC area selling potted tree peony.

http://goldenport.com/peony/pcare.htm

Also I found out the price listed on this website is too high. If we could organize together and order 500 bare roots of tree peony directly from China, we only need to pay 10 bucks for each. SIgh.

Here is a link that might be useful: care for peony

Here are some links related to peony species. Lots of good photos.

http://goldenport.com/ -- best source for tree peony.

http://www.peonies.org/ -- more focus on herbaceous peony which is more popular in USA.

http://www.peonyland.com/

have fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: Peony

This is so funny, my friend just throws them in the ground, no special care, and they bloom like crazy.

This has been a most informative thread. I live in Western PA, and have grown peonies for about 20 years..my oldest plant being about 60 years old.
Some tips I have found useful are:
*I make sure not to plant the roots very deep
*I do not place any landscape fabric, mulch or rocks anywhere underneath the plants
*I water with a water soluable fertilizer the entire summer..for I find that this helps build HUGE blooms for the next year
*I cut down all the dead foliage and discard in Nov or Dec
*I have divided in both spring and fall. In the spring, I divide as soon as the little buds poke their head up out of the ground, and just divide like a hosta. In the fall, I just spread the leaves, find the most comfortable place the shovel fits, and slice away. If the plant becomes stressed, it will take an additional year to bloom..but continue to feed!
The majority of my peonies are the heirloom deep magenta pinks that smell of heaven.
Woodsy

Hi,
This is a very good link. I like tree peonies. I was told sea kelp is a good fertilizer. You can foliar feed with this or dig a four inch deep trench around the root line of the plant and fill it with compost. They also like fish emulsion. I understand that fall is the best time to plant because this allows the roots to get established. If the roots are not established they can not support the top growth and this will kill the plant. I did plant some cheap tree peonies from Walmart in the spring and they all died. This does not mean they can not survive in the spring. If I had it to do again I would leave them in a container and plant them in the ground in the fall. You just have to make sure they get enough water. Tree peonies do better in morning sun and afternoon shade. The flowers will last longer. If in full sun you can protect the flowers with a golf umbrella in the afternoon. Tree peonies do not have the ants because they do not have the sweet nectar. The ants do not hurt the buds they are just eating the sweet nectar. My understanding is to plant tree peonies (the graft union) 4" deep and herbacious peonies 2" deep. Also the tree peonies do well with some protection from the wind such as taller bushes or a wall so the wind will not destroy the flowers. The flowers only last about 2 weeks, but they are the most gorgeous thing especially in the morning dew.

Thanks,
Laura

I found this website. I think it is the same Walter Good that answered some of the questions earlier. Check it out.

Laura

Here is a link that might be useful: Inhalt the world of peonies walter good