Parade Gaining Momentum

10 years ago

Many plants are in bloom now. Thunderstorms, of course, take their toll. But at least we don't have 80-degree hot sunshine, which I think is worse. Peony lovers have to accept the ephemeral.

Krinkled White (good stem)

Tom Cat

Another bush

Cora Stubbs

Mother's Choice. I find whites hard to photograph.

Mackinac Grand

Laura Dessert (a prolific and common cultivar)

Lights Out aging

Cincinnati (wish it had more flowers)

Mr. Ed (needs support)

Featured Answer

mantis__oh
Original Author

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Alex, it just takes time for the peonies to get established. Most of these are from the hospital garden I tend, where they are not pampered and not even in the best of locations. Drainage problems can be deadly for peonies, which I discovered when the hospital put on a new layer of black top, which changed the flow of water off the parking lot (I had to replant a number of peonies). I fertilize early in the spring with some 10-10-10. The cemetery across the street has fantastic peonies even though most receive no caretaking at all. (I do clean up leaf debris in the fall and spray if I detect botrytis; but those in the cemetery obviously don't receive that care.)

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Comments (7)

KarenPA_6b
10 years ago
So beautiful, mantis! Thank you for sharing them. I love Laura Dessert. I think its scent is one of the nicest and most consistent peony fragrance.

Can't wait for the doubles to bloom for me. My mid early is blooming at this time and all of them are single except for the double fernleaf and tree peonies.
Nancy
10 years ago
Beautiful! I think I especially like Tom Cat & Cora Stubbs. Love the big doubles, but they do tend to flop in the storms. Every year I plan to cage them or stake them up but never get around to it in time.
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AlexUnder
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Awesome, I know what you mean - my daffodils, hyacinths and tulips are lasting much longer than usual. Hopefully the weather will be right when it is time for peonies. Mantis, can you share some info on your know-how planting and fertilizing techniques? They look very happy and most of them are quite a big clumps.
sandyslopes z5 n. UT
10 years ago
More beautiful peonies! Thanks for sharing.
xiangirl zone 4/5 Nebraska
10 years ago
Thank you for sharing. Beautiful! Do you try to photograph white flowers when it's not full sun or cloudy? I find better detail in the flower if I photograph at those times, but you give up the brilliant white, too.
mantis__oh
Original Author
10 years ago
Even with cloudy skies, I find that the photos of whites tend to flare. All of the above pics were taken under overcast skies.