Peonies are a varied group of
herbaceous perennials that are grown for their large showy and sometimes
fragrant blooms.
They come in all shades of white, pink,
red, orange and yellow, sometimes in bicolors and often with the showy
yellow stamens providing a contrast at the flower's centre.
Peonies are long-lived plants that
usually flower in early summer. They are quite an extravagance in that
they have a relatively short flowering period and occupy a largish area
with their leaves after flowering to build up reserves for the next
years show.
Buds may be damaged by late spring frosts
in colder climates, so grow them in a sheltered area for this reason and
not easterly facing as morning sun on newly frosted growth can be very
damaging.
The large heavy flowers may need support,
so stake them as necessary.
Propagation is by seed sown in fall or
winter, though this can take 2 or 3 years to germinate, so sow in well labeled
pots and don't throw them away too soon. Alternatively the plants may be
divided in early spring or fall, spring being far preferable, root cuttings may be taken in winter.
They resent disturbance, so don't be surprised by a flowerless year
after division while they sulk for a while.
